Core Reporters Blog

Navy Under Fire as Bishop Demands Probe into Brutalisation of Anglican Priest at Anambra Checkpoint

The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Ogbaru, Rt. Rev. Prosper Amah, has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the assault of an Anglican cleric, Revd. Tochukwu Agina, allegedly brutalised by a naval officer at a checkpoint in Anambra State.

In a petition dated December 2, 2025, and addressed to the Chief of Naval Staff, Bishop Amah recounted that the incident occurred on Sunday, November 30, around 5:00 p.m., at the Okpotouno Naval Checkpoint in Ogbaru Local Government Area.

According to the bishop, the naval officer accused Revd. Agina of making a phone call while approaching the checkpoint, an allegation both the priest and eyewitnesses insist was untrue.

“On Sunday, 30th November 2025, at about 5pm, a deeply disturbing incident occurred at a naval checkpoint located at Okpotouno, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, where a naval officer brutalised an Anglican priest of the Diocese of Ogbaru under a false allegation that he was making a phone call at the checkpoint,” the petition stated.

Bishop Amah added that several eyewitnesses confirmed that the cleric neither held nor used a phone at the time. Despite this, the officer subjected him to “physical assault and inhumane treatment.” Although the injured priest was later given first aid at a naval clinic, the bishop insisted that such an action did not excuse the misconduct.

Condemning the assault as “an abuse of authority and a clear violation of fundamental human rights, the military code of conduct, and the professional ethics of the Nigerian Navy,” the bishop stressed that no Nigerian,let alone a clearly identifiable cleric- should endure such treatment.

He reminded the naval leadership that the Navy’s uniform represents discipline, honour, and service, not intimidation or oppression.

Bishop Amah concluded his petition with a firm demand for a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation; identification and disciplinary action against the officer involved; reassurance to the victim’s family and community; preventive measures through improved civilian-military relations training; and compensation for the injured priest.