Claims two of his daughters belong to the bishop
- Case reported to CAN, HRC, and Police
- Human Rights Commission: “We are prepared for a DNA test.”
- Bishop Marvelous Paul: “I am not aware of what you are talking about.”
By Our Correspondent
Maiduguri, Borno State – In a scandal that has rocked the Christian community in Maiduguri, Borno State, a married man and father of four, Mr. Mbursa Ishaku Bwala, has accused Bishop Marvelous Paul and two other pastors of having an illicit affair with his wife, Mrs. Blessing Mbursa Ishaku Bwala. The embattled husband has petitioned the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Human Rights Commission (HRC), and the Centre for Justice on Religious and Ethnic Affairs in Nigeria.
According to Mr. Bwala, after multiple complaints to these organizations yielded no result, he decided to take formal action against the clergymen, whom he accused of breaking his home. His petition, addressed to the Borno State chapter of CAN and copied to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), alleges that Bishop Marvelous Paul had an affair with his legally married wife and is now claiming paternity over two of his daughters.
In the petition dated December 15, 2024, Bwala stated that the two children in question, Hepzibah (10) and Jedidiah (7), are currently enrolled in a private school under the surname Marvelous instead of his own. He appealed to the authorities to intervene and help him reclaim his family.
Mr. Bwala also alleged that Apostle James Asim Ekoi took his wife, Blessing, to Calabar, Cross River State, where they conducted a traditional marriage without a legal divorce. He further claimed that Bishop Marvelous Paul manipulated his wife with prophecies, causing her to turn against him and frame false accusations.
Allegations of Prophetic Manipulation
Bwala claimed that in August 2020, his wife accused him of attempting to harm her, citing a prophecy from Bishop Marvelous Paul. He alleged that the bishop told Blessing that she had suffered an accident because of her husband’s involvement in witchcraft. The bishop allegedly prophesied that Bwala would end up frustrated and mentally unstable.
Despite reporting the matter to CAN, PFN, and the National Human Rights Commission, Bwala lamented that no action had been taken, and his two children remain with Blessing and her new husband, Apostle James Asim Ekoi.
Petition to the Human Rights Commission
Seeking further intervention, Bwala wrote to a private human rights body led by Ambassador Rev. Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, urging them to investigate his allegations. His petition, dated January 20, 2025, called for the prosecution of Bishop Marvelous Paul and Apostle James Asim Ekoi.
“This bishop and apostle cannot take away my wife and children. I am a Nigerian, and I have constitutional rights. This is an injustice, and they must face the consequences of their crimes,” Bwala wrote in his petition.
He further alleged that the bishop and apostle had “poisoned” his wife’s mind, making her unable to think rationally. He called for their removal from Borno State or legal action to prevent further crises in the region.
Call for DNA Test
According to documents obtained from the National Human Rights Commission, Blessing allegedly confessed that two of her children belonged to Bishop Marvelous Paul. The commission recommended a DNA test to ascertain the truth. However, the test, which required contributions of ₦600,000 from each party, has yet to be conducted due to Blessing’s failure to provide her share.
“The family of Mr. Mbursa Bwala provided their ₦600,000, and Bishop Marvelous Paul also contributed his share. However, Mrs. Blessing failed to make her payment, delaying the test for four years,” a source at HRC confirmed.
New Allegations Against Bishop Marvelous Paul
In a separate development, another family has accused Bishop Marvelous Paul of having an affair with the widow of the late Mr. Jafaru Mamza. According to allegations, the bishop has been coercing the widow’s son into flogging his sisters under the guise of exorcising evil spirits. Additionally, the bishop allegedly sold off the deceased’s property without informing his family.
Bishop Marvelous Paul Denies Allegations
When contacted, Bishop Marvelous Paul initially questioned how his contact information was obtained. He later denied all allegations, saying, “I am not aware of what you are talking about.” He refused to respond further, stating, “If there is anything, the party who brought this to you should provide the details, not me.”
He added, “Ensure you have proof before publishing anything. If you don’t, you will be responsible for the consequences.”
Daughter Confirms Allegations
Attempts to reach Mr. Bwala for additional comments were unsuccessful. However, his daughter, Grace Mbursa, confirmed that her mother and two younger sisters were living with the pastors, while she and another sibling were staying with their father in a different part of Borno State.
HRC and CAN Yet to Respond
An official from the Human Rights Commission in Borno State, who requested anonymity, confirmed receiving the petition and said they were monitoring the situation. However, neither CAN nor PFN has made an official statement on the matter.
The unfolding scandal has sparked debates within the Christian community in Maiduguri, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations. As the case develops, the public awaits further action from the authorities and a resolution to what has become a major controversy in Borno State’s religious circles.
