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  • African Church trustees affirms most Rev’d Odufuwa new primate

    African Church trustees affirms most Rev’d Odufuwa new primate

    …inaugurates 2 Archbishops, 39 Bishops

    The newly confirmed Primate of the African Church, Most Reverend Augustine Odufuwa, has pledged to lead the Church into a new era of growth and transformation within the next six months.

    He made the commitment during a special service held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the African Church Bethlehem Cathedral, Ebute-Metta, Lagos. The occasion marked the official inauguration of the Lagos Metropolitan Province and the consecration of new bishops.

    In his acceptance speech, Primate Odufuwa—who transitioned from acting to substantive primate—described himself as a team leader committed to inclusive leadership, working with both clergy and laity to ensure holistic progress.

    “Today we have added more Bishops to the fold of the African Church. They will go to work in their respective dioceses, and within six months, you will see a drastic change in evangelism and church expansion,” he said.

    He noted that the Church is now better equipped for growth, with several clergy members holding advanced academic qualifications, including PhDs and Master’s degrees.

    “So you don’t need to doubt what will happen with my emergence as the Primate of the Church,” he said confidently. “By God’s grace, we shall bridge existing gaps, especially in evangelism.”

    The ceremony witnessed the elevation of 39 clergymen to the office of Bishop and two new Archbishops: The Most Reverend Dr. David Adedeji Sogbanmu and The Most Reverend Adesoji Aderemi Adetubo. It also marked the formal declaration of the Lagos Metropolitan Province.

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    Addressing criticisms and alleged smear campaigns against his person, Primate Odufuwa dismissed the claims, emphasizing that he has the full support of the Church’s trustees and majority of its leadership. 

    He called on all members to unite in prayer and offer their full support to move the Church forward.

    “It doesn’t take anything from me, because he is not the owner of the Church, the Trustees of the Church has given me their blessings.

    “He has no trustee backing him all those who are backing him are ex-members and ex-officers of the Church, I have the Acting Lay- President, I have all the Church Officers behind me. 

    “I have the grand patron of the Church and out of the seven living trustees six are solidly behind me, while the seventh which happens to be our former Primate is neutral because of his sensitive position.

    “He is father of all so he doesn’t support anybody but he is praying for all of us. I have solid living trustees of the Church behind my office.

    “When you have a knowledgeable leader the result is so clear and glaring that the Church have to move forward.” Primate Odufuwa said.

    Commenting on the crisis rocking the African Church the General Secretary Mr. Bayo Ogundimu counselled that given the possibility of an harmonious resolution in no distant time, all parties need seek peace to further encourage the growth of the Church.

    “When you talk of unity you are talking about something that is quite essential for a home to move forward, for an organization to move forward even for a nation to move forward not to talk of a Church, there is a need for us to come together. 

    “So when we talk of that we continue to appeal for unity,cooperation and I will also continue to say that we should sheathe our swords, we should come together.

    “The cost of this struggle for the Church is enormous we can’t put that together now but in terms of the legal cost, the pains and the names we have given to ourselves,the shenanigans we have been involved in it has cost us a fortune, but like I said as a Church as a people we will always find a way.

    “Our elders are not looking back and I am sure that we are working day and night to ensure that this is over and like I said that I am very very sure and there is God’s promise on that, very soon all the factions will come together and we shall sing Halleluyah.

    Giving the Charge at the inauguration ceremony Most Rev’d  Joseph Ola-Akinsanya Archbishop of Okka Province of the African Church and Bishop of Okka Diocese Akoko Ondo State, who coincidentally served as a priest of African Church Bethlehem Cathedral Ebute-Metta between 1987-1991 tasked the newly inducted Bishops to take prayer, fasting and searching of scripture as a mandatory requirement for eventual success. 

    Most Rev’d Ola-Akinsanya also described the crisis as a storm awaiting the order of calm, he added that it is not strange but urged all to give peace a chance.

    “All along our elders the peace committee, the elders of the Church have actually said there must be sacrifice, afterall the Lord Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for the salvation of mankind, to bring us back from the fall of our forefathers and so the same way there cannot be meaningful unity and love without sacrifice.

    “That implies sacrifice on the part of the leaders and the led if we will be accountable onto God our creator then, necessity is now placed on us to make the necessary sacrifice for the Church’s growth, unity, oneness and propagation.”

  • African Church is one, undivided – Primate Abbe

    African Church is one, undivided – Primate Abbe

    In a candid and wide-ranging interview with ADEOLA OGUNLADE, the Primate of the African Church, His Eminence Julius Osayande Olayinka Abbe, addressed head-on the deepening crisis rocking the historic denomination. From accusations of constitutional breaches and certificate forgery to an ongoing leadership tussle with a splinter group, the Primate lays bare his side of the story. With passion and clarity, he defends his integrity, recounts the church’s internal battles, and speaks on the spiritual and moral responsibility of leadership. Amidst growing discontent, he offers insight into the path forward for a church at a crossroads — insisting that while the storm rages, the African Church remains one, undivided under God.

    Some members of a splinter group within the church have alleged that you violated the church’s constitution and have questioned the authenticity of your academic credentials. How do you respond to these allegations?

    The allegation that I violated the church’s constitution is entirely baseless. There is absolutely no truth in it. The constitution is very clear — even unambiguous — about the powers and responsibilities of the Primate. For example, there are certain meetings that only the Primate, together with the church’s Secretary, is authorized to convene. But this group chose to hold such meetings on their own.

    They also claimed I should have reported to a traditional ruler, the Grand Patron of the church. However, the constitution does not support that. The Grand Patron is an honorary position — it carries no spiritual or administrative authority over the Primate. The Primate remains the supreme spiritual and administrative head of the church. So, I see no constitutional breach in anything I’ve done.

    Some people felt I disrespected the King by not going to him. With all due respect, he rules his domain — not the church. We have many kings, obas, and highly respected individuals in the church. But the constitution guides everyone equally. There’s no preferential treatment here. So, to anyone aggrieved by this, I say respectfully — I have no apology to offer. I’ve acted strictly within the boundaries of the church’s constitution. As for the so-called “degree saga,” it’s an old issue that has been raised repeatedly — for over a decade now. It resurfaced back when I was to be consecrated as Archbishop. One individual in particular, Bukola Okunowo, has been relentless in trying to discredit me. For reasons known only to him, he has vowed to destroy my reputation. But every effort he’s made has failed. When questions arose regarding my academic credentials, the church did the right thing by writing to Lagos State University (LASU). LASU responded in writing, affirming that my certificate is valid and the issue was internal — within the institution. Let me clarify further: I completed a master’s program at LASU in 2001. However, due to a prolonged administrative crisis at the university between 2001 and 2007, the institution did not issue certificates for years. When I eventually went to collect mine in 2014, I was initially given a certificate dated 2007. I objected, because I completed the program in 2001. LASU then issued me a corrected certificate with a 2001 date. That’s where the confusion began. Mr. Okunowo seized on this to claim I had forged or produced multiple certificates. But again, LASU has confirmed that both certificates originated from them — and that the issue was caused by an administrative error on their part, for which the responsible officer was disciplined. I have never falsified anything. The church also requested my transcripts from LASU, which were duly provided. How Mr. Okunowo managed to get access to these transcripts and present them in court, only God knows. But everything has been handed over to my lawyer, and the matter is already in court. Not satisfied, Mr. Okunowo then reported me to the police at Alagbon, accusing me of forgery. The police began harassing me, inviting me to write statements. I refused — this is a matter already before a competent court of law. It would be prejudicial for the police to interfere. Eventually, the police visited LASU and were satisfied with the university’s clarification. LASU confirmed to them that there is no issue with my certificate. Still, the harassment continued. I told them clearly — if this case is already before the court, then let the court decide

    The crisis in the African Church is so old and it’s seemed intractable, is there solution in sight.

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    Let me correct the impression that you had, that this crisis is intractable. No, it’s resolvable. By the grace of God, it shall be resolved. There is no church that does not have its own problems, internal problems. There’s no church. Go to the Anglican, go to the Methodist, go to Presbyterian, go to Baptist, go to even Redeemed Christian Church of God. All these are Pentecostal churches. They have their problems, but the way they manage their problems may be different. In our case, maybe you perceive that the laity is more powerful than the clergy. That is the impression that is being given everywhere. There is this symbiotic relationship between the clergy and the laity in the church, that has been the foundation of the church, and we have maintained this. But we got to a point that some disgruntled elements within the church felt they need to exercise more power. And that’s what is causing the problem. It has been on for some time. These people have been in the saddle of the church administration for a very long time. And you know, to rescue power from anybody, you have to prepare for a battle. So let me tell you that we are already in the battle. Unfortunately, those that are supposed to queue behind the primates, who are members of the clergy, have resorted to being on the other side of the divide. That is the unfortunate side of it. This battle I’m fighting is not for me. By the grace of God, I am okay. But I am fighting this battle for the generations yet unborn. The people’s activities must be checked. They are becoming uncontrollable. They are becoming uncontrollable. They go to alcohol joints. That is where they determine the existence and the administration of this church. This is very unfortunate. This is a church. It’s not a club. It’s not just an association. It’s a church. And this must be done orderly and with the fear of God. It is the spirit that makes us to grow. So, the church is one. No doubt about that. The church is one. But the Bible says, in the midst of my people, I found the wicked. The wicked are in the midst of this crisis. You can’t say Nigeria is bad. Nigeria is very good. Nigeria is a very good nation. But in the midst of it, you still find some evil. That is the situation of the church. So the church is good. If we follow this church constitution and the fear of God in all that we do, definitely this church would have been one of the best, if not the best. But unfortunately, the reverse is the case. So, the problem has been there for a long time. Yeah, I agree. But if we are persistent and consistent in this struggle, it is a struggle.  So all they are trying to do is to weaken the head of the church, once the head is weakened, all of us will fall in line. But nobody can do that, by the grace of God. They have been trying it for a very, very long time, and they have failed. This time around, they will also fail.

    You became a bishop a little after 30 years which is unprecedented in the history of the African Church and you have also gone through this struggle all these years, what is special about you?

    I don’t know where you read my history from. That’s good, that’s important. Well, there is nothing special about me. The only thing that makes me who I am is God.  I have no power, I have no nothing. It’s God. Everything about me is God. I became a bishop at a very young age, because those who are bishops then were advanced in age. So I was a kind of trailblazer for other young people to come in. I thank God I have set a very good standard for the church. That a lot of people are even proud of, if we had messed up along the way, definitely the church would have set another standard that would prevent other young people to come in. So, we thank God for that. That’s why I say He’s God, not me. I’m not perfect. I’m not saying I am perfect. I am not. I’m not perfect. But God has been my helper. And He has never disappointed me. He has been backing me up. He has been fighting my battles. He has been supporting me. He has been leading me.

    In light of the ongoing crisis, how do you intend to restore confidence and unity among members of the African Church?

    By the grace of God, we remain encouraged because a significant number of our faithful members across dioceses and provinces have continued to express their unwavering support and allegiance. Letters and messages have been pouring in, affirming their loyalty to the Church’s leadership and mission. What’s important to understand is that this crisis is being stirred by a very small group of individuals. Yes, they may have access to considerable resources—which, unfortunately, they have chosen to deploy destructively rather than in support of the gospel. That, frankly, is heartbreaking. These are resources that could have advanced the mission of Christ, but instead, they are being used to sow division. Nonetheless, we take comfort in God’s word: “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Hosts.” All things belong to Him, and ultimately, it is God who sustains His Church. In terms of resolution, we are committed to seeking God’s guidance. We commune with Him daily, praying fervently for His intervention and direction. And despite the falsehoods being circulated, we remain unshaken—firm in faith, and surrounded by the steadfast support of bishops, clergy, and laity at all levels. Our strength lies in God and in the unity of purpose shared by the majority of our members. We believe that through persistent prayer, wisdom, and a Christlike spirit, this crisis will be resolved and the Church will emerge even stronger.

  • Posthumous birthday, book presentation in honour of founder of African Church

    Posthumous birthday, book presentation in honour of founder of African Church

    A Posthumous birthday and book in remembrance of the chief of founders of the African Church Nigeria and Overseas, the late Chief Jacob Kehinde Coker will be held on September 6, 2024, courtesy of the Ifako Diocese of the African Church.

    The official presentation of the book written by a former Tutor General/Permanent Secretary/ Special Adviser Technical Education, Lagos State, Mrs Annette Adeoba will be held by noon at the Lagos African Church Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye Lagos.

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    A statement issued by the organisers stated that the book reviewer is Prof (Mrs) M. A. Johnson.

    The statement read in part: “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. The book launch and posthumous birthday are in loving memory and sincere appreciation of an unforgettable icon, a great man of history and untainted legacy, late Chief Jacob Kehinde Coker((6th September 1866 -6th January 1945) – the chief of founders of the African Church, pioneer Lay President(1925-2927) and recipient of the King’s Silver Jubilee Medal for distinguished Service to Nigeria..

  • African Church hosts praise fiesta in Ogun

    African Church hosts praise fiesta in Ogun

    The African Church Holy Trinity Cathedral, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State will tomorrow host the maiden edition of Praise Fiesta Concert tagged “Throne of Praise -“ITE IYIN”

    According to a statement by the organisers, the event is divinely inspired to promote selfless service to God as well as music and youth development in the church.

    The statement read in part: ” The event is proudly sponsored by Chief Chris Olufunmilola and his wife, Erelu Morenikeji Modupe Okunowo. The hosting of this event is the high point of the Okunowos’ love for music, youth development, and selfless service to God.

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    ”This wonderful family had consistently for over 21 years hosted the Annual Community Hymn Singing, at The African Church Arch Cathedral (Bethel, Lagos.

    ”Indeed charity must begin at home which prompted Okunnowo, his amiable wife and covenant partner, to sponsor Praise Fiesta Concert in appreciation of God’s faithfulness, mercy and love which transcends human understanding.”

    ”The event no doubt will change the musical landscape of Ijebu Ode and indeed the entire Christian community, as we exalt, praise and worship God in one accord as Praise Fiesta Concert will feature seven prominent choirs/groups and two guest artistes from Ijebu Ode and Lagos axis, ” the statement added.

  • Excitement as 224 graduate from African Church Model College

    It was a memorable day for 224 senior secondary 3  pupils of African Church Model College, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos as they graduated from the school.

    They looked resplendent in their navy blue suits, white shirts and red ties and could barely contain their joy  at the event, which held at the school hall.

    The guest speaker and immediate past Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Lola Akande, advised the 19th set of the school to do whatever they know how to do well, because it is not only academics that makes people.

    She told the graduating pupils to always remember Henry Wadsworth LongFellow’s words: “The height great men reached and kept are not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.”

    The school’s principal, Mr Abimbola Olawoye, encouraged the pupils to work hard and be focused.

    “Hard work does not kill, but diligence begets success.  Do not engage in anything that could truncate your dreams and hope for the future,” he said.

    The head boy, Alex Akinyode, who won three awards as the best pupil in Physics, Block and Bricklaying (BBL) and Computer Studies, said he was happy graduating and encouraged those coming after him to work hard and never relent.

    To his fellow graduating students, he said: “Our life is an apprenticeship to the truth that around every circle and can be drawn; that there is no end in nature, end is a beginning , and under every deep a lower deep opens.”

    The head girl, Boluwatife Ajayi, who also won two awards, advised her juniors, saying: “My advice for younger generation is that the sky is not your beginning; your beginning is where you decide to start from. Start from places above the sky,” she said.

    An outstanding graduating student, Busolami Adeyemo, who served as health prefect, won four awards in Biology, English Language, Creative Craft Practice (CCP) and Food and Nutrition.

    She also won the Nollyfans achievement award for the best in English Language when she represented her school in a competition.

    “I think it was just a favour.  I did not expect to win four awards because this set is a very competitive set and there were people I felt were doing better than me,” she said.

    The school launched its annual magazine, “The model voice” – with members of the press club presenting their news for the year and a programme called, “gist me small”.

    The assistant manager of Zenith Bank, College road, Mr chibueze Nwankwo presented gifts to the school for partnering the bank.

    The best three pupils from each class were also rewarded for their academic excellence.

  • African Church crisis deepens as S/South provinces sack S/West bishops

    The festering leadership crisis in the African Church has assumed an ethnic colouration following the sack of bishops from the Southwest part of the country from provinces in the South-south region.

    Bishop James Bamidele from Ekiti state, who was at Four towns, Uyo and Archbishop A.A Odufuwa, formerly of the Calabar Province have been removed, our correspondent learnt.

    A member of the church, who pleaded not to be named, also confirmed other south-south’ states including Edo and Delta states have also sent away their bishops from the Southwest.

    The source who spoke with reporters in Uyo at the weekend also disclosed that provinces in Edo and Delta states have threatened a breakaway from the Western provinces of the church.

    Calabar and Rivers provinces have also issued indicated their plan to secede if the current primate is forcefully removed.

    Penultimate week the primate of the church, Dr. Emmanuel Udofia returned to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.

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    It was alleged that he was being harassed by church leaders in the Southwest with the intention of ending his tenure abruptly.

    Udofia is said to be threatened with sack if he fails to vacate office as Primate by May when he turns 60.

    But South-South members of the church are however of the opinion that a new law could not have been applicable to Udofia who was voted into office on the dictates of the old constitution.

  • Leadership tussle rocks 188-old African Church

    If the leadership crisis rocking the African Church is not resolved soon, the 188- year- old church may disintegrate following threats by some provinces in the Niger Delta region to break away.

    It was gathered that provinces in Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states have already given the indication to the Arch Cathedral in Lagos to secede if the current Primate, Dr. Emmanuel Udofia is not allowed to complete his tenure.

    The current primate of the church, Dr. Udofia is said to be under severe harassments and threats by the Western provinces for him to vacate his position as he turns 60 years in May.

    Udofia, who was weekend received in a very colourful ceremony at St Stephen’s Cathedral of the church  in Uyo, has been asked by the laity and clergy to temporarily relocate to Uyo until the crisis is over, it was learnt.

    His life and that of his family members are said to be under threat by some parishioners of the church in Lagos, which necessitated the call for his relocation to Uyo.

    Vice lay president of Warri Diocese, Mr Ezekiel Okorode,who spoke at Dr Udofia’s reception in Uyo, said the indignities to which the Western Provinces of the church had subjected the primate were in a way bringing victory to Calabar and Rivers provinces.

    “Today is a day of victory for our provinces. We have taken a step that will not be easy to reverse. We have told those bishops from the West to go back to their people.

    “They don’t like us and so we can’t like them. The Western provinces must retrace their steps and apologise else it is backward never; forward ever,” Okorode said.

    He explained that if Udofia, the only primate of African Church who is a non -Yoruba in the 118-year life of the church could be humiliated by the Western provinces, there was no basis for their continuous pretence to be together.

    The legal adviser of Calabar Province, Justice Ezekiel Enang, said the two provinces would stand by the General Council decision of the church that the current primate should retire at 65 years after which the new rule of retirement at 60 would take effect.

    The medical adviser of the Calabar Diocese, Dr Nathaniel

    Adiakpan, expressed gratitude to God for preserving the life of the primate for him to return home alive, saying that was the most important thing.

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    “Injustice is what is playing out in African Church today. The same people who were bombarded us with calls to help them attend certain positions in the church only a few years ago are now the ones causing disunity.

    “If Dr Udofia doesn’t enjoy the support of African Church Worldwide, no other primate will enjoy our support,” Adiakpan stressed.

    However, the embattled primate, Dr Udofia said he had not relocated to Uyo because he still considered himself the Primate of African Church Worldwide as such he would go the arch cathedral anytime he feels like.

    But he explained that it was necessary to pray for God’s intervention in the crisis as he would not want his tenure to be credited with infamous history of the beginning of fragmentation of the hitherto unified African Church.

    “I don’t want the Yorubas living with us to leave in tears. They are

    not the cause of my leaving Lagos. I’m still the Primate of African

    Church for now because we have decided to seek peace.

    “We want everyone to pray for the church. If we allow this to happen, it will affect the entire church.

    “As a church, we would have been better than this but for unnecessary obstacles we bring upon ourselves.”

    Udofia, whose message was anchored on the Romans 8: 28-39, said that all things work together for to those who love the Lord.

  • African Church celebrates 117th anniversary

    Foremost indigenous Christian denomination, The African Church, has celebrated its 117th Founders’ Day in Lagos.

    The event was held at the African Church Arch Cathedral Bethel on Broad Street, Lagos on Sunday October 13, 2018.

    The church was founded on October 13, 1901, by a group of ex-Anglican Church members led by the late Chief Jacob Coker, while Most Rev. J.S. Williams and Mr. A. Thomas (also of blessed memory) served as the first Primate and Lay President respectively.

    The church, which held its first service at the Lagos residence of Chief Coker, has hundreds of branches spread across the major geo-political zones of Nigeria.

    Speaking during the occasion, the Primate of the church, His Eminence (Dr) Emmanuel Udofia, urged members of the church to rededicate themselves to God and keep faith with the vision of the founding fathers of the church.

    Udofia, who is the 11th Primate, and first non-Yoruba to lead the church, noted that the vision behind the establishment of the church has kept the church going in accordance with the motto -Heaven’s Light Our Guide.

    The thanksgiving service was witnessed by eminent members of the church including its Honourable Lay President and founder of Lagos City Polytechnic, Babatunde Odufuwa; Deputy Lay President, Prince Michael Oduguwa, and Archbishop of Lagos Province, Most Rev. Julius Oludotun Ogunseye.

     

  • African Church inaugurates new national officers

    The African Church ArchCathedral Bethel Lagos last Sunday inaugurated its new national officers with Chief Babatunde Odufuwa becoming the new Lay President.

    He takes over from Chief Olumiyiwa Ogunlowo, whose tenure ended recently.

    Primate of the Church Dr. Emmanuel Udofia, urged the newly appointed officers to be worthy ambassadors.

    In his sermon titled: God’s ways of achieving an enduring success, Udofia said success and prosperity would remain a mirage unless Christians put God first in everything.

    He charged the new leaders to use their positions not only to help develop the church but also to make sure they propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

    This, he said, is because everybody will stand before God to give accounts of his or her deeds on earth.

    In his acceptance speech, Odufuwa, who was elected last month at the 2nd biennial conference of the church in Ijebu Diocese of Ogun province, said his team will continue the good work of the past administration.

    Describing Ogunlowo as a man of honour, Odufuwa said his inauguration portends a new dawn for the African Church.

    “Our Church has enjoyed great unity under previous administration.

    “We shall build on this unity for greater expansion of the church both physically and spiritually,” he stated.

    He reiterated his commitment to the growth of the church, adding that he and his team will work more for the development of the church in Nigeria and beyond.

    Others officers include Prince Michael Oduguwa deputy lay president; Olumuyiwa Aduroja Chancellor and Evangelist Eddy Orogun as General Secretary.

    Others were Bro. Olukayode Adegbesan General Treasurer; Chief Jacob Oludare as financial secretary and several others vice lay presidents representing each province of the church.

  • Police Inspector allegedly raped 15 year old girl

    Police Inspector allegedly raped 15 year old girl

    The family of one Mary Udo in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has accused a police inspector attached to Mkpat Enin division of forcefully having a canal knowledge of their 15 year old daughter at gunpoint.

    Mary alongside with her family members disclosed this during their visit to The Nation office in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Tuesday.

    The minor, who narrated her ordeal in the hands of the police inspector, said she was returning from church, African Church, Ikot Abasi-Akpan, last Thursday when the police team that stood on the road accosted her.

    She explained that the inspector, having seen her, pointed the gun at her, saying if she dared resist him touching her he would shoot her.

    The SS1 pupil said the inspector then led her away from other members of the team to a dark portion of the road.

    According to her, the policeman forcefully ran his fingers through her breasts, lamenting ‘as small you are, you have these types of breasts!’

    She stated that the policeman ordered her to undress as he was still pointing gun at her.

    Her words: “After he had forced me to remove my clothes, he ordered me to lie down and open my legs. And what I noticed was that he brought out his penis and inserted it into my vagina. As he was romping over me, he forbade me crying as he threatened to shoot me if I should open my mouth.

    “But when I could not bear the pains any longer as blood was running out of my private part, he quickly took me into the vehicle and drove to the station, where he detained me from Thursday till Saturday. It was my uncle, Dr. Ime Stephen that came from Abuja and bailed me out with N10,000.”

    Asked of her mother, Udo told our correspondent that her mom left her dad since she was a toddler and does not know how she looks like.

    She said her dad has been paralysed since the day he felt from the palm tree top. She added that she and her dad live on her uncle’s benevolence.

    Stephen, her uncle, said the inspector in question is a prosecutor. He added that he could not believe his eyes when the girl pointed at him as one who raped her from among the policemen who were on duty that time.

    He said even his colleagues at the state Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, said he has been so reckless with women.

    He said: “We need justice if a police inspector could point a gun at a girl of 15 year old girl before raping her, it means he lacks the characters of police officers who are meant to protect lives and property of Nigerians.

    “He is a fraud by also taking the girl into the police custody for three days and collected N10,000 as bail sum from the girl’s guardian.

    “We call for his dismissal from the force so that he can be prosecuted accordingly.”

    An artisan, Mr. Ndifreke Ibuotenang, 28, was also brutalised on Thursday by the same policemen.

    Ibuotenang said he was returning from where he went to drink palm wine after work around 9pm, when the same police team accosted him and beat him to a pulp. Ibuotenang two eyes had been seriously affected.

    He was also said to be released on bail upon payment of N10,000 as the bail sum by the villagers.

    When contacted, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Murtala Mani, confirmed the incident.

    Mani did not inform our reporter if the police have commenced investigation into the matter.

    He said: “Yes I am fully aware.”