Concern is growing across the Catholic community in Aba and beyond as disturbing signs point to the mental deterioration of Rev. Fr. Francis Anyanwu, a suspended priest of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, whose erratic social media behavior and outrageous accusations have sparked widespread alarm.
Fr. Anyanwu, in a string of Facebook posts, has targeted respected Catholic clergy—accusing them of sexual immorality, rape, pedophilia, sorcery, and cultism—without a shred of evidence. Those he has named include Rev. Fr. Kelechi Anyanwu, Rev. Fr. Felix Onyeugba, Rev. Fr. Innocent Ezenwoke, Rev. Fr. Paul Nwokeleme, and even his own superior, Rev. Fr. Prof. John Egbulefu, a world-renowned theologian. Foreign figures, including the Catholic Bishop of Vitoria in Spain, Juan Carlos Elizalde, were not spared.
These reckless allegations appear to be fueled not by facts but by delusions. When summoned by the Senate of Priests at St. Mary’s Parish, Abayi Ariaria, Fr. Francis Anyanwu openly declared, “The things I post on my Facebook page are revealed to me in my dreams.” That statement, made publicly and in the presence of multiple witnesses, has confirmed fears that Fr. Anyanwu is battling a serious mental health crisis.
Fr. Anyanwu’s troubles reportedly began in Spain during a language study program. According to Church insiders, he started exhibiting strange behaviors and was suspected of suffering from a mental illness. Following consultations between his bishop in Nigeria and Church authorities in Spain, he was recalled. His reaction? A barrage of unsubstantiated online attacks on both bishops, accusing them of cultism and witchcraft.
It didn’t stop there. After his suspension by the Bishop of Aba Diocese for defiance, public misconduct, and scandalous publications, Fr. Anyanwu escalated his online campaign—targeting key diocesan figures and accusing them of impregnating women, abusing minors, and more. He returned to Spain against Church instructions and continued his social media tirades, apparently using his platforms to take revenge for what he sees as mistreatment.
But members of the Church and public observers are now calling for a different approach: compassion and medical care, not condemnation.
“It’s clear to any reasonable person that Fr. Francis Anyanwu is not well,” said one senior Catholic. “You don’t need to be a psychiatrist to know this man is mentally unstable. Instead of feeding the madness by giving him an audience, we should help him get treatment.”
Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, Chancellor of the Nnewi Diocese, added valuable context: “Nowadays, it’s apparently forming a zeitgeist to accuse Catholic priests of sexual impropriety. Such empty but malicious trends against priests tend to spread like wildfire.”
Fr. Anyanwu’s case, however, appears less about deliberate malice and more about a deteriorating state of mind. The tragic part, many say, is that his illness is being played out on social media for all to see, rather than being addressed with the confidentiality and care it desperately requires.
“It’s unfortunate and heartbreaking,” a concerned parishioner noted. “He needs a hospital, not a platform.”
Church authorities urge the public to disregard Fr. Anyanwu’s publications and pray for his recovery. The Diocese of Aba has affirmed its commitment to protecting its clergy from slander while also expressing concern for the mental well-being of the troubled priest.
In the face of this unfolding crisis, one truth stands out: Rev. Fr. Francis Anyanwu is sick. He needs medical help, not judgment. He needs prayers, not applause.
