FAKE PRIEST ARRESTED IN MAKURDI

Fake Priest Arrested in the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

"Everyday for the Thief, one day for the owner" had proved itself true, as nemesis caught up with one Mr. Emmanuel Antyu, who had disguised to be a Catholic Priest.

One Vera Akinde called the attention of the Assistant Pastor of her Church, Father Jonathan Gondo, VC, of Saint Mark's Catholic Mission, Apir, when the said impostor visited her place, presenting himself as a Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia. According to Vera, she said Mr. Antyu explained that he was coming from Aliade, where he celebrated Mass and his Car broke down, so he was looking for accommodation.

Handbill provided by Mr. Emmanuel Antyu, as his proof/ Fides Media

According to Vera Akinde, the imposter explained that he was an Orthodox priest, but the handbill he presented as evidence of his priesthood, depicts that he is a Spiritan. This scenario then prompted her to call the attention of Fr. Gondo.

Father Jonathan Gondo, VC, who took the case to the vigilance team in the area for further investigation, revealed that Mr. Antyu admitted he was not a Priest but was acting so, to defraud people by collecting money to pray for them amongst other things; an act he confessed to have been into for more than two years.

Mr. Antyu further confessed that he printed the handbills and made his vestments in Zaki-Biam where he began this fraudulent business, from Gungur to Lafia and other places. Two Viagra pills were also found in his bag among other items he was using in the mischievous business.

The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Father Jude Ortese, CSSp, said the imposter has been handed over to the Nigerian Police at E-Division, Akpehe-Makurdi for further investigation.

Mr. Emmanuel Antyu who hails from Mbatiav in Gboko Local Government Area was caught on Sunday, August 22, 2021.

This is not the first time an individual has been nabbed parading himself as a Catholic Priest in Makurdi Diocese.

Appeals were made to the faithful to be careful of fake priests; that Catholic Priests will always go to the Parish House for assistance and not private homes.

Source - Fides Media