Anglican Church Suspends Priest Over ‘Staged Miracles’ Scandal

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has suspended a priest in Anambra State over allegations of staged miracles and misleading conduct.

The cleric, Rev Ifunanya Maduka, who served as Vicar of St Paul’s Parish, Nteje, was removed from office by the Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo.

In a statement issued by the diocese, the church said the suspension followed findings that the priest had engaged in practices “grossly unbecoming of an ordained minister” within the Anglican Communion.

According to the statement, Rev Maduka is accused of orchestrating arranged prophecies and miracles by allegedly involving individuals known to him, including reportedly paying participants to act as beneficiaries of supposed divine interventions.

The diocese said that when confronted with evidence, the priest admitted to participating in the acts, which it described as deceptive and contrary to Christian doctrine.

Church authorities said the decision to suspend him was taken to uphold the integrity of the ministry and prevent further misleading of congregants.

The suspension takes immediate effect, although the diocese did not indicate whether further disciplinary or canonical proceedings would follow.