In the midst of escalating conflicts within Nigeria’s United Methodist Church, Zimbabwean Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa was apprehended by authorities while on a mission to facilitate the election of a new church leader. The incident occurred in Yola, Adamawa State, as part of efforts to replace the outgoing Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, who recently resigned.
According to reports from the Daily Post, Bishop Nhiwatiwa was detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on Friday, August 23, 2024, shortly after arriving in Yola for a pivotal meeting with members of the Southern Nigerian Annual Conference. The bishop, who was there to oversee the transition process, was taken into custody despite possessing all necessary documentation.
Fatima Adamu, the Public Relations Officer for the United Methodist Church, expressed deep concern over the arrest. In a statement released to journalists in Jalingo, Taraba State, the church leadership called for the immediate release of Bishop Nhiwatiwa, attributing the incident to actions by a factional group within the church opposed to the bishop’s presence.
The church’s statement, signed by Pastor Salisu Waziri, highlighted suspicions that members of a breakaway faction—stemming from disagreements over same-sex marriage discussions at a recent international conference in the United States—were responsible for orchestrating the bishop’s arrest.
Meanwhile, the Taraba State Government has proactively shut down all United Methodist Church branches within the state. Charles Maijankai, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, stated that this measure aims to prevent further disruption and potential clashes among church members contesting control over church properties.
The church leadership fears that this incident may be the beginning of a broader crackdown, with plans reportedly underway to detain additional members and pastors involved in the contentious dispute.
Following his initial detention, Bishop Nhiwatiwa was held at the Yola Immigration office before being moved to his hotel under guard. On Saturday, August 24, 2024, he was escorted to Abuja alongside an immigration officer and is currently held at the NIS Headquarters in the capital.
An anonymous immigration officer declined to provide further details, stating that only the national headquarters could address inquiries regarding the bishop’s detention.
The United Methodist Church has called on relevant authorities to intervene swiftly and ensure the safe release of Bishop Nhiwatiwa, emphasizing the need for unity and adherence to democratic processes within the church community.
