The leadership of Christ Chosen Church of God International has broken its silence on the retirement of its former Director of Administration, Apostle Pius Igberase, dismissing allegations that members of its disciplinary panel were bribed with ₦1 million each.
In a statement issued on Friday in Benin City and signed by Secretary-General Apostle Jones Ikibeh and Church PRO Apostle Newton Egharevba, the Church said the decision followed an internal disciplinary process.
It said concerns arose after the Spiritual Leader returned from a three-month working visit on May 18, 2026, alleging that Apostle Igberase usurped his authority, made inciting remarks against the leadership, wore an unauthorised cassock during the 2026 Baptism Service, and engaged in disorderly conduct during the Women’s Convention.
The Church also accused him of promoting tribalism and failing to provide leadership to his household in line with church standards.
According to the statement, Apostle Igberase was queried on June 10 before a 21-member Special Disciplinary Panel, chaired by Apostle E. Akugue, investigated the allegations on June 12.
The panel reportedly found his explanations unsatisfactory and recommended his dismissal. However, the Spiritual Leader approved his retirement with full severance benefits, describing the decision as an act of restraint.
The Church dismissed as false allegations that panel members were paid ₦1 million each to influence the outcome, insisting that the videos and documents circulating online were edited and misleading.
It also expressed concern over alleged threats by some supporters of the retired cleric to lock church branches and disrupt activities, warning that it would invoke the law to protect its members and properties.
The Church urged members and the public to rely only on official communication channels and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing division.
It reaffirmed its commitment to due process, unity, and the continued propagation of the Gospel.