In a strongly worded letter dated 2 December 2025, the bishop accused the unnamed officer of physically assaulting the clergyman on Sunday, 30 November, at about 5:00 p.m. at the Nigerian Navy checkpoint in Okpoto-Uno, Ogbaru Local Government Area.

According to the petition, the priest who was in full clerical attire and had identified himself was falsely accused of using his phone at the checkpoint, dragged out of his vehicle, beaten, and subjected to “inhumane treatment.”

Bishop Amah stated that eyewitnesses and the victim confirmed Revd Agina was not on any call at the time. 

The priest eventually received first-aid treatment at the naval base clinic after the assault.Describing the incident as “a blatant abuse of power and a gross violation of human rights,” the bishop demanded:

An immediate, transparent, and independent investigation   

Identification and appropriate disciplinary action against the erring officer   

An official apology to the priest, his family, and the church

Compensation for the victim

Retraining of personnel on civilian-military relations and rules of engagement

“Nigerians still hold the Armed Forces in high esteem,” Bishop Amah wrote. “The Navy uniform symbolises honour and discipline not intimidation or oppression. 

Justice for one citizen is justice for all.”He warned that failure to address the matter promptly would erode public trust in the military.

The Navy is yet to respond to the petition as of the time of this report.