A storm of controversy is brewing within the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Wuse, Abuja, as outraged members mount pressure on church leadership to discipline one of its senior clerics, Rev. Nashon Azaki, who faces serious allegations of sexual harassment and financial impropriety.
Despite confirmation from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in February 2025 that an investigation into the cleric’s conduct is ongoing, the leadership of ECWA has reportedly failed to take decisive action—sparking discontent and allegations of a cover-up.
Vincent Adekoye, spokesperson for NAPTIP, stated: “A petition was written to the Agency on an allegation against somebody in ECWA church. All parties in the matter were invited for interrogation and further investigation continues.”
The church has since been plunged into turmoil, with some members accusing the leadership of stonewalling justice and shielding Rev. Azaki from appropriate disciplinary measures—despite a damning report by an internal investigative panel recommending his removal or transfer.
The saga erupted in early January 2025, when concerned members, alarmed by mounting allegations, submitted a formal petition to the ECWA Headquarters calling for Rev. Azaki’s suspension and transfer. The petition was reinforced by a legal letter dated February 3, 2025, from Dr. George Ogunyomi, a prominent legal practitioner representing the aggrieved members. The letter alleged grave ethical violations by the cleric and slammed the leadership for tolerating what it described as “a blatant abuse of office.”
“How can someone under investigation by NAPTIP, on administrative bail, still be allowed to shepherd one of ECWA’s largest congregations?” one indignant member queried. “If this were government or public service, he would have stepped aside long ago.”
The crisis deepened after the Garki District Church Council (DCC), under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Sampson Jonah, assigned a board of elders—reportedly lacking the proper qualifications—to probe the 14 allegations. In a controversial move, the board summarily dismissed 13 of the allegations and kicked the sexual harassment claim back to the DCC, igniting protests from the petitioners who cited bias and conflicts of interest.
The DCC’s subsequent handling of the case was equally contentious, as the investigating committee was stacked with Rev. Azaki’s allies. As the committee floundered, dissent erupted within the ranks—prompting resignations and threats to quit from disillusioned elders.
To resolve the crisis, a group of about 30 current and former elders proposed establishing an independent investigative panel. However, Rev. Jonah reportedly dismissed the proposal, instead accepting a counter-report from a faction of five elders who exonerated Rev. Azaki.
It wasn’t until the ECWA Executive stepped in that a glimmer of accountability emerged. The Executive ordered Rev. Azaki’s suspension and mandated the creation of a new, impartial committee chaired by Prof. Samson Shaibu. This independent committee advised that Rev. Azaki take a leave of absence and be transferred to quell rising tensions. It also called for the dissolution of the divided board of elders.
Despite these directives, Rev. Jonah allegedly ignored the recommendations, reinstating Rev. Azaki without approval from the ECWA Headquarters—an act many regard as defiant and undermining church governance.
Critics argue that the initial board had no authority to absolve Rev. Azaki of criminal allegations. “The refusal to properly examine the 13 other allegations reeks of a deliberate cover-up,” one church member said. “The leadership is acting like a shield rather than a shepherd.”
The impasse has now cast a long shadow over ECWA Wuse, threatening its unity and reputation. Members say until justice is served and transparency prevails, the trust in the church’s leadership will continue to erode.
PIONEER NEWS 