Imo Catholic priest who shot assistant has been sacked

The parish priest of Saint Mary’s Catholic Parish, Eziama-Osuama in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev. Fr. Christian Amusuo, has been sacked by the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Rt. Rev. Solomon Amatu for allegedly shooting his assistant

It was reported that Amusuo, on June 23 at the parish house, reportedly shot his former assistant, Rev. Fr. Precious Osuji, after a heated argument.

Amusuo had reportedly accused Osuji of constantly disobeying him and flouting his orders. The sacked priest was later arrested by the police for allegedly shooting his assistant and for being in possession of a firearm.

SUNDAY PUNCH learnt that the cleric had been released on bail by the police after he was interrogated by the Criminal and Investigations Department of the command in Owerri, the state capital.

Confirming the sacking of the priest, a parishioner, who spoke on condition of anonimity, said a new priest had been temporarily drafted in the diocese to take charge.

The parish laity leader, Jude Obi, who confirmed to our correspondent that the two priests had been removed by the bishop, said a new parish priest would be assuming duties on Sunday.

Obi said, “The bishop intervened immediately by transferring the two priests, which made the youth not to lock the church. A priest was drafted in temporarily and he was the one who celebrated mass for us on July 2. But a new parish priest will be taking charge on Sunday and he will be the one that will be celebrating mass at the church.”

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )