Court Orders GMCN To Vacate UMCN Secretariat, Restore Properties

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN) to vacate the secretariat of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) in Jalingo and hand over all disputed properties, bringing a major legal battle between both parties closer to resolution.

The judgement, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on March 30, 2026, reaffirmed the legal status and continued existence of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, following nearly two years of dispute with the breakaway GMCN faction.

The suit, filed in December 2024 by UMCN, challenged the legality of the change of name from UMCN to GMCN, the alteration of trustees, the freezing of church bank accounts, and the takeover of church properties. Defendants in the case included the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the incorporated trustees of GMCN, and Zenith Bank Plc.

In the 51-page judgement, the court examined provisions of the UMC constitution, its Book of Discipline, the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), and relevant legal precedents. Justice Egwuatu ruled that the process leading to the change of name was flawed, noting that it did not meet the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority vote at a properly convened General Conference, nor was it ratified by the Annual Conferences or endorsed by the Council of Bishops.

The court further faulted the change of trustees filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission, citing non-compliance with statutory requirements and lack of proper certification of documents.

Justice Egwuatu held that while members are free to leave the UMCN, they are not empowered to alter the church's identity or lay claim to its assets. Consequently, the court ordered the CAC to revert the church's registration to "United Methodist Church in Nigeria" and nullify the registration under the name "Global Methodist Church in Nigeria."

The court also directed GMCN to reverse all changes made to UMCN properties, relinquish control and management of such assets, and vacate the UMCN secretariat in Jalingo.

In addition, Zenith Bank Plc was ordered to restore full access and control of all UMCN accounts to the church.

Reacting to the judgement, the Bishop of the UMC Nigeria Episcopal Area, Ande Emmanuel, welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory for due process and the rule of law. He extended an olive branch to members of the GMCN, stating that the UMCN remains open to reconciliation and willing to support those who wish to return.

He also urged members to celebrate peacefully and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

Many UMCN members, who had resorted to makeshift places of worship since the crisis began in 2024, expressed relief and optimism, saying the judgement would enable them to return to their churches.

However, the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria has rejected the ruling and announced plans to appeal. In a statement, the group called on its members to remain calm and law-abiding as the legal process continues.

The judgement is widely seen as a significant turning point in the dispute, paving the way for the restoration of order and stability within the United Methodist Church in Nigeria.