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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Anambra varsity suspends priest over sexual misconduct allegations

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Paul University in Awka, Anambra State, suspended a priest and staff member over allegations of serious sexual misconduct with a female student.
  • The university management is investigating the allegations and has involved security agencies.
  • The suspension follows the circulation of a video, whose authenticity is unverified, purportedly showing a lecturer fleeing a campus office.

Paul University, a faith-based institution in Awka, Anambra State, has suspended Ven. Cornelius Eze, an Anglican priest and Practical Biology Technologist, pending investigations into serious sexual misconduct allegations involving a female student. The university's management initiated an indefinite suspension on July 17, 2026, as part of its internal disciplinary process and in coordination with law enforcement agencies.

The allegations surfaced on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, prompting immediate intervention by the university management. Citing rising tensions among students, the management involved the relevant security agency to prevent any breakdown of law and order. The university stated that this suspension is a preliminary administrative measure, without prejudice to the ongoing investigations.

The Management of Paul University, Awka, wishes to inform the University community and the general public that it is currently investigating allegations of serious sexual misconduct involving a member of staff, Ven. Cornelius C. Eze, a Practical Biology Technologist in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences.

— Rev. Godsplan OnukwuforPublic Relations Officer, Paul University, Awka, in a press release announcing the investigation.

A video circulating on social media since Wednesday has fueled the controversy. The unverified footage purportedly shows a lecturer, allegedly Eze, in inappropriate attire fleeing from an office on campus amid a commotion. Some students are seen attempting to apprehend the individual in the video. Claims accompanying the video suggest the lecturer was caught in a compromising situation and attempted to escape.

The university's official statement, signed by Public Relations Officer Rev. Godsplan Onukwufor, confirmed the investigation into the allegations against Eze. It emphasized the university's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its community and noted the involvement of security agencies. The statement did not directly comment on the video or the specific circumstances depicted.

In line with its duty to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the University community, Management immediately intervened and invited the relevant security agency to take over the matter to forestall a breakdown of law and order, as tensions had risen among students following the incident.

— Rev. Godsplan OnukwuforPublic Relations Officer, Paul University, Awka, explaining the university's response to the allegations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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