A major scandal has hit the Catholic Church in Nigeria after investigations into allegations of sexual abuse against a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability.
The accused, identified as Reverend Father Kenneth (name changed), was found guilty in one process and not guilty in another. Eventually, the church imposed only a canonical rebuke, warning him to avoid scandalous behaviour, according to a July 30, 2025 letter signed by Bishop Francis Adesina.
The decision has fueled criticism, with victims and church insiders alleging a cover-up, procedural breaches, and continued risks to minors.
Survivor speaks out
The whistleblower, Bayo (name also changed), now 33, claimed he and at least nine other boys were abused by the priest, beginning when he was 14. He alleged that Father Kenneth exploited his family’s dependence on church support during his illness and subsequent bereavement, gradually grooming him under the guise of fatherly care and religious formation.
In a harrowing account, Bayo detailed years of sexual abuse that began with “private massages” and escalated into repeated acts of masturbation and coerced homosexual encounters. He alleged that some of those introduced into such acts by Kenneth have since become priests themselves.
Bayo further claimed that evidence he submitted was not transmitted to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) in Rome, the Vatican’s disciplinary office.
Investigations and contradictions
Documents obtained show that the case went through years of conflicting judgments, with missing files, procedural lapses, and repeated requests from the Vatican for complete records.
At one stage, Kenneth’s lawyers argued he could not be retried under ne bis in idem (no double trial) since Bishop Albert Fasina (now late) had previously cleared him. Yet, in November 2023, the DDF found him guilty, warning him to “prudently avoid situations that could compromise continence or cause scandal.”
Despite this, no dismissal or suspension from ministry was ordered.
Critics: “Justice not served”
Canon law experts and priests who reviewed the case described the outcome as troubling. They questioned why civil authorities were never involved, given that the complainant was a minor when the abuse began.
They also pointed to violations of Pope Francis’ 2019 directive Vos estis lux mundi, which guarantees victim representation and mandates precautionary suspension of accused clerics.
“The penalty was a mild rebuke, despite admitted suspicion. This undermines the Church’s zero-tolerance stance,” one priest said.
Threats and exile
Bayo reported receiving threats after speaking up and eventually fled Nigeria, later receiving temporary support to study in the U.S. He alleged the diocese later abandoned him financially, conditioning support on his withdrawal of accusations.
Meanwhile, his family in Nigeria reportedly faced hostility and intimidation from some community members.
Diocese responds
The Diocese of Ijebu-Ode has maintained that the matter was handled in line with Vatican directives, with final judgment issued in May 2025. A spokesperson, Rev. Michael Banjo, said the diocese remained committed to fairness, safeguarding, and truth.
When contacted, Bishop Adesina declined comment, saying the matter was “internal to the church.” Father Kenneth, too, refused to respond directly, ending a call abruptly when asked about the allegations.
As the controversy deepens, calls are growing for the Catholic Church in Nigeria to involve civil authorities and ensure stricter accountability measures in abuse cases.
Editor’s Note: The names of both the accused priest and the complainant have been changed for legal and safety reasons.
Source : Punch
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