Young Salvation Army Pastor Says He Is Wrongfully Held in Anambra Prison After Attempting to Clarify Church Rumour

A young Salvation Army minister, Captain Chukwudinma Offornze, has been held at Ezinifite Correctional Centre in Anambra State since early November, after a community dispute he says began with an attempt to verify a rumour involving a senior church official and a female member of his congregation.

Offornze’s family insists he was not the source of the rumour, but rather sought to confirm its accuracy “to protect the integrity of the church and its leadership.” According to relatives, the pastor visited the woman in her home in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area, to discuss the matter in a spirit of peace.

Instead of resolution, the woman later accused him of spreading the rumour, prompting his arrest by a local security group, Udo-Gachi, and a brief initial detention. The pastor wrote an apology letter in good faith to ease tensions, but the woman reportedly rejected it and demanded he sign statements he did not make. His refusal led to further detention by the Nigeria Police Force.

Family members and community elders have repeatedly sought a peaceful resolution, but those efforts have so far failed. In court, Offornze was reportedly not permitted to address the judge and was advised to seek reconciliation through the woman’s extended family—an offer that went unanswered.

The pastor’s relatives have raised concerns about his wellbeing in custody, alleging hardship and intimidation by other inmates. They have called on church authorities, community leaders, and civil society to help secure his release and bring about a peaceful settlement in the community.