A group of Catholic lawyers have condemned calls to arrest Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Reverend Father Religius Ihula. The lawyers held a press conference in Makurdi on April 11, 2025, to denounce the move.
Polycarp Aande, president of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, led the group. He described the arrest demands as ill-conceived and counterproductive. “Bishop Anagbe and Father Ihula speak truth and defend our faith,” Aande said. “Their work protects our community and upholds justice.” He urged the government to respect religious freedom and allow church leaders to continue their work without fear of prosecution.
The group noted that recent church attacks had already harmed Christian communities. They recalled incidents of violence that left many churches damaged and lives disrupted. Aande stressed that arresting respected religious leaders only deepens divisions. “We need legal protection for our church leaders,” he declared. “Our community depends on their courage and commitment to social justice.”
Catholic lawyers urged the authorities to abandon politically motivated measures against religious figures. They warned that such actions risk sparking further unrest and undermining national unity. They pointed to the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and expression. The group also called for interfaith dialogue to resolve conflicts peacefully.
The press conference comes amid heightened tension over religious issues across Nigeria. Many citizens worry that heavy-handed measures may trigger instability. The Catholic legal community maintains that church leaders must enjoy immunity from politically charged prosecutions. They stressed that the arrest call appears to target individuals who challenge oppressive practices within the church and society.
The group plans to monitor the situation closely and pursue legal action if necessary. They reaffirmed their commitment to protecting religious rights and ensuring that church leaders remain free to serve without intimidation. The lawyers called on all Nigerians to support justice, peace, and respect for religious freedom in these challenging times.
