By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Diocese of Ogbaru in Anambra State has called for a full investigation and compensation after one of its priests was allegedly brutalised by a naval officer at a checkpoint, leaving the clergy and his community traumatised.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening at Okpotouno in Ogbaru Local Government Area, involved Revd. Tochukwu Agina, a priest under the Anglican Communion. According to the church, the attack happened around 5 p.m. after the officer falsely accused the priest of making a phone call while approaching the checkpoint.
In an open letter addressed to the Chief of Naval Staff, Bishop Prosper A. Amah described the experience as a disturbing case of abuse of power that violated the dignity of a peaceful, law-abiding citizen. He said eyewitnesses confirmed that the priest was not using his phone at the time of the encounter.
Despite clearly identifying himself both by his clerical attire and by verbally stating that he was a priest, Agina was reportedly assaulted and subjected to humiliation by the officer. The Diocese said the experience left the clergyman shaken and in pain.
Revd. Agina was later taken to a Navy clinic where first aid treatment was administered, but the church insists that medical help alone cannot erase the trauma and injustice of the encounter.
“The uniform of the Nigerian Navy symbolizes honour, discipline, and service — not intimidation or oppression,” Bishop Amah wrote, lamenting that such an act could be carried out against a cleric who represents peace in the community.
The Diocese stressed that the action of the officer was not only a violation of the 1999 Constitution but also an affront to the military code of conduct and the moral expectations placed on members of the Armed Forces. It expressed concern that such incidents erode public trust in security institutions.
In the letter, the church appealed to the Chief of Naval Staff to ensure that justice is done, noting that clergy members often move around late to serve their congregations and deserve protection, not harassment.
The Diocese demanded a thorough and transparent investigation, identification and disciplinary action against the officer, and official communication to the priest’s family and the church community to restore confidence.
It also called for improved training for officers on civilian–military relations, emphasising that better engagement with the public would prevent such incidents and strengthen trust between communities and security personnel.
The church concluded by asking the Nigerian Navy to compensate the clergyman adequately and take steps to ensure that no Nigerian—regardless of status—faces such degrading treatment again.