According to family members, the young pastor was not the originator of the rumour but merely sought to confirm its authenticity so he could “stand strong in defence of the church and the Christian faith.”
A young Salvation Army minister, Captain Chukwudinma Offornze, has been in detention since November 1, 2025, following a dispute linked to an alleged rumour involving a senior church official and a female church member in Umuchu community, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Offornze, a minister with the Salvation Army Church in Ibughubu Village, was reportedly arrested after he approached a female church member to clarify a rumour he had heard while ministering at another programme, with the intention of defending the image of the church and its leadership.
According to family members, the young pastor was not the originator of the rumour but merely sought to confirm its authenticity so he could “stand strong in defence of the church and the Christian faith.”
“My brother only went to the lady as a sister in Christ to understand the truth of what he heard and stop the matter from spreading,” said Mr. Nzubechukwu Offornze, the minister’s brother who spoke to SaharaReporters on Wednesday.
“Unfortunately, the lady later accused him of being the one circulating the story.”
Family sources said Offornze was first apprehended by a local community security outfit, Udo-Gachi, and later released after he was asked to write an apology letter to the woman involved.
“He wrote the apology letter in good faith, just to restore peace,” Nzubechukwu said. “But she rejected it and demanded that he sign another letter containing statements he never made. He refused.”
Following the rejection of the apology letter, Offornze was arrested and transferred to Zone 13 of the Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State. He has remained in custody since then.
The family further alleged that despite several interventions by their mother, kindred, and community elders, efforts to resolve the matter amicably have failed.
“Our mother, elders and kindred have all begged for peace, but nothing has worked,” Nzubechukwu added. “We are not seeking publicity or trouble. We only want peace and a quiet settlement so this issue does not escalate further.”
The matter reportedly came up in court in November. According to the family, Offornze was not allowed to speak during proceedings.
“The judge advised that we should go and beg the lady’s husband-to-be and his family so the issue could be settled peacefully,” Nzubechukwu said.
“But the lady and her lawyer left the court without giving any direction, and my brother was taken away to Ezinifite Correctional Centre.”
The family has raised an alarm over his condition in detention, alleging that he is being subjected to hardship and intimidation by other inmates.
“He is a pastor, a peace-loving young man,” a family source said. “Now he is languishing in prison simply for trying to protect the image of his church.”
An apology letter written by Offornze and obtained by SaharaReporters shows that he admitted being misinformed and expressed regret for any embarrassment his visit may have caused the woman.
“My intention was neither to do anything contrary to the interest of the Bishop… nor to spoil your name,” the letter read in part. “Everything I said to you was in good faith, and I pray that you take it so, forgive and forget the whole unfortunate incident in the spirit and interest of our Christian faith.”
The family also alleged that the controversy surrounding the apology letter was influenced by a senior church official who was named in the original rumour, though no formal charge has been established against the official.
The Offornze family has appealed to relevant authorities, church leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene to secure the release of the young minister and restore peace in the community.