A legal battle over church property ownership has taken a dramatic turn as the Upper Area Court II in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state, yesterday struck out a suit filed by the Global Methodist Church of Nigeria (GMCN) against the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN), intensifying an already delicate ecclesiastical dispute in the state.
In a ruling delivered by the Presiding Judge, Barkindo Idris Chiloma dismissed the case on three major grounds- lack of locus standi, lack of jurisdiction, and abuse of court process.
The court further ruled that the disputed property, being land situated in an urban area, falls outside its jurisdictional competence.
As a result, the court struck out the suit and awarded a cost of N1 million against the plaintiff, the GMCN, in favour of the defendant, the UMCN.
A Dispute Beyond the Courtroom
The case centers on ownership of a church property in Jalingo, reflecting deeper divisions between the two Methodist blocs.
While the legal arguments revolved around procedural and jurisdictional issues, the underlying dispute has been widely viewed as part of a broader schism affecting Methodist congregations in parts of Nigeria.
Legal analysts note that the court did not delve into the substantive ownership claims but instead focused strictly on procedural deficiencies and jurisdictional limits.
Reacting to the judgment, Bishop Emmanuel Ande of the UMCN described the outcome as more than a legal victory.
“Today’s judgment is a victory for the return of peace in Taraba. It will restore peace between the two warring parties, the UMCN and GMCN,” he said.
Bishop Ande extended an olive branch to members of the GMCN, urging them to pursue dialogue rather than further litigation.
In a symbolic move, he announced the reopening of the long-closed Jatutu Memorial Cathedral, where a reconciliation service has been scheduled for February 22, 2026.
He called on residents of Taraba State to attend the service, framing it as a step toward healing and unity.
Counsel to the UMCN, Barrister (Dr) Effiong I. Effiong, also praised the ruling, describing it as a legally sound decision.
However, the GMCN has rejected the court’s decision and vowed to challenge it at the Court of Appeal. At a press conference shortly after the ruling, GMCN Bishop Rev. John Pena, represented by Bazel Yoila, Conference Superintendent of the Southern Nigeria Annual Conference, announced plans to seek further judicial clarification.
The GMCN leadership characterized the ruling as unjust and called on both state and federal authorities to take interest in what they described as an injustice meted out to the church.
Despite the strong reaction, church leaders urged their members to remain calm and law-abiding while pursuing legal redress.
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