Published 8th May, 2022

By Joseph Adeiye

Timothy Ngwuta, a catholic priest who has been in police detention in Ebonyi State since March, has finally regained his freedom.

Ngwuta’s release was confirmed in a statement issued by Matthew Uzoma Opeke, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese in the state, on Friday.

“We thank God for making it possible for Fr. Timothy Ngwuta to be released on bail today being Friday, May 6, 2022,” the statement reads.

“We thank all those who allowed themselves to be used either remotely or proximately as instruments towards the realisation of the goal. We thank you for your prayerful support in this journey that seemed unrealizable. You all made it happen.

“We are still relying on your assistance as we go through the court processes towards vindicating Fr. Timothy of the spurious charges against him. We continue to commend the process to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Priests.

“There is always light at the end of the tunnel.”

Statement from the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki

Ngwuta was first arrested on December 11, 2021 while trying to help Jade Ariom, his friend, in retrieving a vehicle at Mbeke Ishieke, a community in Ebonyi State.

After spending 12 days in detention, the priest was released on December 23, 2021.

He would however be rearrested on March 8 and charged with kidnapping, murder, and promoting inter-communal conflict.

The police also claimed that the car Ngwuta had recovered on his friend’s behalf in December was used in perpetrating the crimes.

The priest denied all charges levelled against him but would remain in police detention. A request to release him on bail was also denied on April 12.

According to the latest statement from the chancellor, Ngwuta is still expected to appear in court at a later date over the allegations levelled against him.

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