* Bishop Etuk Okon fingered in alleged intimidation
* Udoakang’s camp commends police over non-partisan handling of dispute
The leadership crisis rocking Mount Zion Lighthouse Full Gospel Church has taken another turn following the decision of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to place the church’s corporate file on caveat over disputed trusteeship records and pending litigation.
In a letter dated November 3, 2026, with reference number COM/GCE/2026/1087, addressed to the Chairman of Mount Zion Lighthouse Full Gospel Church, the Commission said the church’s file, identified as Inc. IT No. 432, had been placed on caveat in view of contentious issues surrounding the trusteeship records.
The letter, signed by Naqiba Usman Rugga on behalf of the Registrar-General, specifically referenced the pending litigation in Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/01/2026 before the Federal High Court, Uyo Judicial Division.
According to the Commission, the caveat would remain in place pending investigation and clarification of the conflicting records.
The development represents a significant setback for efforts to alter or establish a new trusteeship structure while the leadership dispute remains unresolved.
Meanwhile, supporters of Bishop P. J. Udoakang have alleged that some individuals involved in the church’s leadership crisis have resorted to police intimidation in an attempt to frustrate his position.
A source close to Bishop Udoakang, who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, alleged that the bishop was arrested along Osongama Road, Uyo, while on his way to receive Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), who was scheduled to pay him a courtesy visit.
According to the source, the arrest followed complaints allegedly made by individuals opposed to Bishop Udoakang.
“He was taken from Uyo to Zone 6, Calabar, without any prior invitation or warrant of arrest, with the apparent intention of having him remanded in prison. Sadly for those behind this action, their attempt failed,” the source claimed.
The source further alleged that some individuals involved in the leadership dispute included Bishop Okon Linus Efiok, popularly known as Etuk Okon, the main leader of the gang; Bishop Nsini Matthew Akpan; Bishop Asuquo Maurice Archibong; and Bishop Joseph George Ekwere.
Others allegedly mentioned were Apostle Nsikak Godwin Udofia, the church’s accountant; Apostle Ekpe Okon Effiong, secretary; and Akanimo Nyong Davies.
The source maintained that the CAC’s decision reinforces the need for all parties to respect the ongoing judicial process and allow the disputed trusteeship records to be investigated and clarified.
The development is expected to further draw attention to the protracted leadership crisis within the church, particularly as the dispute now involves both the corporate regulatory authority and the Federal High Court.
Also, a deaconess in Bishop Udoakang’s camp, Mrs Essien, has expressed appreciation to the police over what she described as their mature and impartial handling of the matter.
She commended the police for granting Bishop Udoakang bail and resisting what she alleged were attempts by individuals opposed to his camp to influence the security operatives and embarrass the bishop through police intimidation.
Mrs Essien said the police demonstrated professionalism by handling the matter without allowing themselves to be drawn into the internal leadership disagreement. She sent the goodwill of his lordship to the police over majority on the matter.
However, the allegations surrounding Bishop Udoakang’s arrest and the roles attributed to the individuals named could not be independently verified as of press time.