In a dramatic turn of events, a Zimbabwean bishop of the United Methodist Church, Eben K. Nhiwatiwa, was arrested in Nigeria, deepening the ongoing crisis within the church.
The arrest took place in Yola, Adamawa State, where Bishop Nhiwatiwa had traveled to meet with church members as part of the process to elect a new bishop following the resignation of the former bishop, John Wesley Yohanna.
According to reports, Bishop Nhiwatiwa was detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on Friday, August 23, 2024, during his meeting with the Southern Nigerian Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He was later taken to Abuja, the nation’s capital, where he remains in custody.
The church, in a statement released in Jalingo, Taraba State on Sunday, expressed deep sorrow over the arrest and called on authorities to secure Bishop Nhiwatiwa’s immediate release. The statement, signed by Pastor Salisu Waziri, suggested that members of a breakaway faction within the church may have orchestrated the arrest. The church emphasized that the bishop was detained despite possessing all the necessary documentation.
“Our bishop was in Nigeria to help guide the church through a critical period of transition, but instead, he has been unjustly detained. We believe this is the work of those who are trying to undermine the unity of our church,” said Pastor Waziri.
The United Methodist Church in Nigeria has been embroiled in internal crisis since the last international conference in the United States, where some members supported same-sex marriage, leading to a split within the church. The division has been particularly pronounced in Nigeria, where factions have struggled for control of church properties.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Taraba State Government has taken the extraordinary step of closing all branches of the United Methodist Church within the state. This measure, according to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Charles Maijankai, is intended to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order as church members vie for control.
“We cannot allow the situation to deteriorate further. Closing the churches is a temporary measure to ensure peace and security while the issues are resolved,” said Maijankai.
Meanwhile, there are growing concerns that more arrests may be imminent, with reports suggesting that security operatives could target additional church members, including pastors.
Bishop Nhiwatiwa’s arrest has added fuel to the already tense situation. After being questioned for several hours by immigration officials in Yola, the bishop was confined to his hotel under guard before being transferred to Abuja the following day.
An immigration officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the bishop’s detention but declined to provide further details, stating, “Only our national headquarters can respond to your question on the bishop in question.”