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Anglican Church suspends Anambra Vicar over alleged fake miracles

Anglican Church suspends Anambra Vicar over alleged fake miracles

From Vanguard · (8m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Anglican Church in Nigeria has suspended the Vicar of St. Paul’s Parish, Nteje, Ifunanya Maduka, for six months without pay.
  • Maduka is accused of staging fake prophecies and miracles, allegedly using paid individuals to present manipulated acts as divine manifestations.
  • The cleric admitted involvement when confronted with evidence, and the church is initiating a disciplinary panel for further investigation and potential sanctions.

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has taken decisive action against a cleric accused of serious misconduct, suspending the Vicar of St. Paul’s Parish, Nteje, Ifunanya Maduka. The suspension, lasting six months without pay, stems from grave allegations of orchestrating false prophecies and miracles, a practice deemed unbecoming of an ordained priest and a betrayal of the faithful's trust.

Bishop Owen Nwokolo of the Diocese on the Niger detailed in a suspension letter dated April 27, 2026, how Maduka allegedly used known individuals, whom he paid, to stage "arranged and manipulated" prophecies. These acts were reportedly presented as genuine divine power, a serious ecclesiastical and moral offense that includes deception, abuse of God's name, and potentially obtaining money under false pretenses. The diocese emphasized that such conduct is fundamentally incompatible with Anglican doctrine and ethical standards, bringing disrepute to the church.

arranged and manipulated

— Bishop Owen NwokoloDescribing the alleged staging of prophecies by the suspended vicar.

Maduka reportedly admitted his involvement when presented with evidence, a crucial factor in the swift disciplinary action. The church has directed him to relinquish all church property and vacate the parish premises within four days. A disciplinary panel is to be formed within a month to conduct a thorough investigation, ensuring accountability and upholding the integrity of the ministry. This decisive stance underscores the Church of Nigeria's commitment to maintaining discipline and public trust.

false prophecy, deception of the faithful, abuse of the name of God, and conduct that could amount to obtaining money under false pretence.

— Diocese on the NigerListing the ecclesiastical and moral concerns raised by the allegations.
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Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.