Pastors Battle For Control Of Enugu Church Property

A fresh power struggle has erupted inside the Assemblies of God Church Nigeria as two pastors face off over who controls a multi-million-naira property at 35 Nanka Street in New Haven, Enugu. The clash has now escalated into a police investigation.

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The tension started after Rev. Isaac Nnaji was posted to the New Haven District headquarters and declared that the property fell under his authority. He argued that his new position automatically placed the building under his supervision.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

But Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, who has managed the property since 2021, challenged the claim. He said he was legally empowered through a Power of Attorney issued by the Incorporated Trustees of the church, giving him full rights to manage the property and collect rent on behalf of the national leadership.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

Matters boiled over on October 30 when Obioha arrived to collect rent and was confronted by Nnaji and a group of supporters. The face-off reportedly drew passers-by, caused a brief traffic jam and ended with alleged threats that Obioha would “not return alive” if he showed up again. He later filed a petition to the Commissioner of Police, calling the incident frightening and hostile.

The Enugu Police Command has since stepped in. Obioha was questioned on Monday, and Nnaji was summoned the next day as part of an ongoing investigation by the Crack Squad. Both sides are now awaiting further action from the police.

Meanwhile, the church’s national leadership has thrown its weight behind Obioha. General Secretary Rev. Godwin Amaowoh insisted that Nnaji has no authority over the property and accused his supporters of reviving old internal conflicts. He stressed that the Power of Attorney remains valid and vowed that the church would reclaim any property held through what he described as unlawful control.