ABUJA / OGBAURU — The Anglican Diocese of Ogbaru has formally condemned an act of police brutality reportedly carried out by an officer of Nigerian Navy against one of its priests, demanding a full investigation, disciplinary action, and adequate compensation.
In an open letter addressed to the Chief of Naval Staff, the diocese’s bishop, Prosper A. Amah, described the November 30 incident which occurred at around 5:00 p.m. at the Okpotouno naval checkpoint in Ogbaru Local Government Area as “degrading, unlawful and an abuse of power.” The victim, Revd. Tochukwu Agina, was reportedly assaulted after being wrongly accused of making a phone call while approaching the checkpoint.
Eyewitnesses and the victim’s account indicate that though the priest identified himself clearly — both by clergy attire and words the officer allegedly beat him, subjected him to degrading treatment, and detained him before he was taken to the naval clinic for first aid.
The diocese insists that no circumstance justifies the humiliation of a law-abiding citizen let alone a clergyman and that the officer’s behaviour contravened fundamental human rights, the Nigerian Constitution, the Navy’s code of conduct, and ethics expected of uniformed personnel. The statement reads in part: “The uniform of the Nigerian Navy symbolizes honour, discipline and service — not intimidation or oppression.
As demands for justice, the letter calls for: a transparent and independent probe into the incident; prompt identification and disciplinary action against the officer involved; — official apology and reassurances to the affected priest, his family and church; — reforms to prevent recurrence, including retraining on civilian-military relations and rules of engagement; — and adequate compensation to the victim.
The diocese also urged authorities to reaffirm that citizens regardless of status deserve protection and dignity under the law. It warned that failure to act would further erode public trust in security agencies already beset by accusations of brutality and impunity.
Dalena Reporters will follow closely for the Navy’s response, the outcome of any investigation, and broader implications for civil-military conduct and human-rights protection in Nigeria.