The Catholic Diocese of Awka has denied directly evicting tenants or destroying their belongings in a recent incident along Jerome Udorji Secretariat Road, Awka, Anambra State.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Ndubisi, clarified that the eviction was carried out solely by the court’s bailiff, with police assistance, in execution of a judgment over the disputed property.

According to Fr. Ndubisi, the building was originally owned by a late Catholic priest, but was allegedly taken over by one Mr. Chidi Osakwe, who rented it out to tenants without the Church’s authorisation.

“We chose the civil and humane path by going to court rather than using force,” he said. “When the court ruled in our favour, quit notices were served, but the occupants refused to leave. The court then issued an execution order, which the bailiff enforced. The Church was not involved in that process.”

He expressed sympathy for tenants who might have been misled into renting the property, noting that the Diocese is open to signing new tenancy agreements with those willing to regularise their stay.

Fr. Ndubisi also cautioned against spreading false narratives about the incident on social media and urged for peace and dialogue.

Meanwhile, Mr. Osakwe is currently facing criminal charges at the Awka Magistrate Court in connection with the matter.