When a man of God raises his voice against injustice, should a nation not pause to listen? Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, the fiery Catholic priest known for his fearless sermons, cannot be said to be wrong in his recent remarks concerning the prolonged detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
If Fr. Mbaka declares that the Federal Government should release the IPOB leader to him, insisting that “enough is enough,” then perhaps it is time Nigeria admits that enough truly is enough.
His statement goes beyond politics, it is a moral and prophetic cry for justice in a nation fast losing its moral compass. “If Standing for Justice Is a Crime, Then I Am Guilty Too”.
During his surprise appearance at the Federal High Court in Abuja during Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s trial on Thursday, 16th October 2025, Fr. Mbaka spoke with conviction that echoed the boldness of the prophets of old.
He declared: “If standing for justice and truth is a crime, then I am guilty too. If you must detain him, then detain me also. A priest’s calling is to defend the voiceless, not to watch them suffer.”
These words cut deep into the conscience of a nation accustomed to silence. As the Scripture reminds us: “Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die” (Proverbs 31:8). Indeed, the priest’s duty is not comfort but courage; to defend truth even when it provokes power.
In another heartfelt appeal, Fr. Mbaka cautioned the nation’s leaders: “Touch not the anointed and do my prophets no harm, for when a nation begins to persecute the truth, God withdraws His mercy.” These are not idle words, they are a prophetic warning. Whenever a nation despises justice, divine favour begins to fade.
How long, then, shall Nigeria persecute truth and still expect peace?
Has the nation forgotten that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people?” (Proverbs 14:34).
Fr. Mbaka’s intervention is not about politics, it is about principle. It is a mirror held up to the conscience of a nation at war with itself.
Whether or not one agrees with his tone, his message carries moral weight: A nation that imprisons truth imprisons its own destiny. Like the prophets; Amos, Isaiah, and Jeremiah, Fr. Mbaka reminds Nigeria that faith cannot be separated from justice. Silence in the face of oppression is betrayal of both faith and humanity. When preachers and prophets stop defending the oppressed, the Church loses its salt and the society loses its soul.
Fr. Mbaka’s cry goes beyond the person of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. It is a lament for Nigeria’s moral decay. Until justice flows freely and conscience rules leadership, peace will remain a stranger. Perhaps, it is time to heed the timeless words of the prophet Amos: “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).
In every generation, God raises voices that confront corruption, hypocrisy, and oppression. Whether we accept or silence them determines our fate as a people. Fr. Mbaka has spoken. The question now is: will Nigeria listen? Indeed, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka’s bold call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release echoes through Nigeria’s conscience as a prophetic challenge to leaders and citizens alike.
Shalom!
Rev. Fr. Ben Amuchie is a Clergy, Lecturer and Public Affairs Analyst with a passion for faith-inspired social justice. He writes thought-provoking articles on religion, morality, and nation-building, inspiring readers to see truth through the lens of the Scriptures and conscience.
Beautifully captured