Nigerian Priest Pardoned After Stroke Following Loyalty Pledge to Ghanaian Pastor

Rev. Fr. Thomas Nwachukwu experienced a stroke shortly after his return from an unpopular visit to a Pentecostal pastor in Ghana. Nwachukwu, a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto in North-West Nigeria, had undertaken this spiritual journey without the knowledge or approval of Most Revd. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese.

Despite the seven years that had passed since the visit and the months of battling with the stroke, Rev. Father Nwachukwu, who deeply regretted his actions, has now been welcomed back to the mother church after receiving forgiveness from the bishop.

Bishop Kukah referred to Nwachukwu as a prodigal son who recognized his mistakes and felt compelled to return home. In a post on the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto Facebook page, Bishop Kukah mentioned a video from 2017 that circulated, showing Fr. Thomas Nwachukwu visiting a Pentecostal Church led by Pastor Obinim in Accra, Ghana. The video depicted the priest pleading with the pastor and seeking his blessings.

Fr Nwachukwu’s actions in the video were quite surprising as he did not seek permission from his Bishop or inform his parishioners about his trips.

After returning from Ghana, he suffered a stroke and decided to leave the hospital to continue his treatment in his hometown. Throughout the seven years, the Diocese remained in contact with him, ensuring his needs were met and monitoring his health and spiritual state.

During this time, Fr Nwachukwu expressed remorse and had no explanation for his actions. After careful consideration and recommendation from the Committee, the Diocese decided to give him a second chance and accepted his appeal. He was sent to a monastery for a retreat, which resulted in a positive report.

During the Mass of the Chrism, Fr Nwachukwu had the opportunity to apologize to Pope Francis and the Diocese of Sokoto. He has now been readmitted to the presbyterate, where the healing process will continue.

Kindly keep our brother, Fr Thomas, in your prayers, along with all of us here in the Diocese of Sokoto. We ask for the intercession of our Blessed Mother, who is the Mother of all priests, to watch over him and guide us as we work in the Lord’s vineyard in Sokoto.