The Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Benue State has suspended one of its priests, Rev. Fr. David Golodzo, from the exercise of sacred ministry over what the Church described as a prolonged and unauthorised absence from his parish.
The decision was taken by the Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. William Avenya, according to an official diocesan letter dated September 4, 2025.
Church authorities said Rev. Fr. Golodzo was posted to St. Edward Parish, Uga, where he served as an associate priest. However, the Diocese alleged that he repeatedly absented himself from his place of assignment for extended periods without obtaining the required approval from his ecclesiastical superiors.
In the letter addressed to the priest, the Bishop cited provisions of the Code of Canon Law, which bind clerics to obedience and require them to reside at their assigned post unless lawfully permitted to be elsewhere.
The Diocese said several attempts were made to reach the priest and persuade him to return to duty, but these efforts proved unsuccessful.
Describing the conduct as a serious breach of Church discipline, the Bishop noted that prolonged absence without authorisation constitutes a grave offence under Canon Law and attracts disciplinary sanctions.
As a result, Rev. Fr. Golodzo has been barred from publicly celebrating Holy Mass, administering the sacraments, or taking part in public acts of worship.
The suspension, however, allows him to celebrate Mass privately and to minister to the faithful only in situations where there is imminent danger of death, in line with Church regulations.
According to the document, the disciplinary measure takes immediate effect upon communication and will remain in force until the priest desists from what the Diocese termed contumacy.
The letter was signed by Bishop William Avenya and co-signed by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende. A copy was also forwarded to the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria for official documentation.
As of the time of filing this report, Rev. Fr. David Golodzo had not publicly responded to the suspension.
