ABUJA, Nigeria — A fiery war of words has erupted between Reverend Father Joy Nwebe and a critic, Ebuka Obi, over allegations of sexual misconduct and claims of virginity.
The dispute, which has drawn widespread attention, escalated on Thursday, March 6, 2025, when Father Nwebe publicly challenged Obi to undergo a medical test to prove his virginity while vowing to do the same to refute accusations of impropriety.
The controversy began when Obi, a vocal critic of the clergy, accused Nigerian priests, including Father Nwebe, of engaging in sexual relationships with both men and women.
In a bold response, Father Nwebe denied the allegations and turned the tables on Obi, claiming that he has evidence of Obi’s involvement with ten women.
“Ebuka Obi, we have received your challenge, in which you claim that we, Reverend Fathers, have been sleeping with men and women, while you are a virgin,” Father Nwebe said in a statement.
“I, Rev. Father Nwebe, now challenge you. Bring your medical team or any qualified personnel to conduct a medical test and prove that I, Reverend Father Nwebe, have ever slept with anyone since my ordination as a priest.”
Father Nwebe went further, invoking a traditional oath to underscore his innocence. “I remove my shoes and stand upon the land—if I have ever been with a man or a woman since my ordination, let the land expose me and take my life. And I want you to do the same.”
The priest also accused Obi of hypocrisy, claiming that he has proof of Obi’s alleged relationships.
“Apart from spiritual revelations that you are not a virgin, I know for a fact, and I can prove, that you have been with ten women,” Father Nwebe said.
“I challenge you to refute this. Come forward with your medical team in a neutral location, and I will come with mine, along with evidence from ten women you have slept with.”
Obi has yet to publicly respond to Father Nwebe’s challenge.
The allegations and counter-allegations have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Nigerians divided over the credibility of both parties.
The Catholic Church in Nigeria has not issued an official statement on the matter. However, the public nature of the dispute has raised questions about the conduct of clergy members and the role of accountability within religious institutions.
As the standoff continues, the challenge for both men to prove their claims through medical tests remains unresolved.
The outcome of this highly publicised confrontation could have significant implications for the reputations of both individuals and the broader religious community in Nigeria.
For now, the nation watches and waits as this extraordinary dispute unfolds.
