The Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most. Revd. Hilary Okeke, has described an alleged drug baron, Aloysius Ikegwuonu, aka Bishop, reportedly targeted in the
Ozubulu church massacre, as charitable, saying the latter will be asked to repent if what people say about him is true.

Okeke spoke with Saturday PUNCH on the telephone on Thursday about last Sunday’s devastating attack on the St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Ozubulu, Anambra State, which left 13 persons dead and many others injured.

The whereabouts of Ikegwuonu were still unknown as of the time of writing this report, but when asked if Okeke had met the alleged drug baron, who had built the church for his community, the Diocesan said he had and added that “he is a lovely and friendly person”.



But when asked what would be the position of the church should Ikegwuonu be found to be involved in criminal activities, Okeke said he would be asked to repent.

He said, “The church will do what Jesus Christ will do. We’ll say ‘repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand’. The church will ask him (Ikegwuonu) to repent. However, I don’t know about that. You know, I don’t have time for the social media. For example, people tell me about WhatsApp messages and in fact, I have about 4,000 WhatsApp messages. I have not opened any of them.

“I have more important things to do than to be on social media. Whatever they are saying about that, I have no interest. If you have those pieces of information, do whatever you like with them. What I am waiting for is the police and government reports.

“When the government and police have finished their reports, then we shall know the truth because people are criminals only when they have been sentenced and found guilty, and not when people accuse or say things about them. If it is true, I will know and I will deal with that person one on one.”


Describing Ikegwuonu, the Diocesan said, “He is very charitable and greatly interested in helping other people; not only helping the church, but helping people. I think he has a foundation, which he runs to look after many people
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