Bickering in a church, reportedly connected with alleged ethical behaviours by some leaders, is causing disquiet among the faithful.
The Living Christ Mission Church, headed by Most Rev. (Prof.) Victor Onukogu (also known as Daddy Hezekiah) has reportedly declared war at some of its former faithful, who recently rose against some moral misconduct.
One of the leaders of the agitating group is Dr. Chinenye Hezekiah Duru. The banker is said to have been singled out for rough treatment for his role in the agitation. He is presently in the custody of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) section of the police in Abuja, having been accused by Daddy Hezekiah of defrauding him.
Until the spiritual leader and his young follower parted ways late last year, Duru, who is a manager with Polaris Bank in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, was the accounts officer and financial adviser of Daddy Hezekiah. Following his reported joining of forces with some others to question the church leadership, the spiritual leader reportedly called in the police and alleged that the banker defrauded him.
The matter was subsequently taken to a magistrate court, in Masaka, Nasarawa State, which admitted Duru to bail on 21st December 2023. He is yet to be released. Duru’s lawyers also obtained an order from the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Donatus Okorowo, for him to be released, pending the determination of the original summons. Still, the police is keeping the banker in its SIU unit in Abuja.
While ruling on 5th January in a case filed by the Duru’s counsel, Chukwuemeka Uduma Kanu, Justice Okorowo ordered that Duru be released, pending the determination of the originating summons.
Duru spent his Christmas and New Year festivities in police custody, in spite of the fact that the courts had ordered for him to be released.
One of his friends, who, said that he left the Living Christ Mission Church in protest about the same time with the banker, said that keeping Duru in custody through the festive season, was intended to punish him for daring to question some things in the church. He also alleged that the followers of Daddy Hezekiah have been demonising Duru all over the internet, with a view to damaging his reputation.
He alleged that there is even pressure on Polaris Bank to relieve Duru of his job, as everything is being done to prevent him from being set free.
Duru’s friend wondered whether membership of a religious group is now a prison sentence from which a member cannot walk away, if he no longer feels comfortable.
Meanwhile, Duru’s legal counsel, Smart Udengwu has returned to the court to file further motions, to compel the police to release the banker, while the case against him goes on.
