Nigerian Catholic Priest Fired Over Sexual Harassment in US

A Nigerian priest serving as chaplain at Avera St. Luke Hospital and Avera Mother Joseph Manor in Aberdeen for more than 18 years has been fired by the Avera administration.

The Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls says recent allegations of sexual harassment by Reverend Charles Emezie against adult female staff members have been found credible.  These allegations are also violations of the diocesan Sexual Misconduct policy.  Father Emezie’s faculties to minister as a priest in the Diocese of Sioux Falls have been revoked and his bishop in Nigeria has been notified that he may no longer practice ministry in the diocese.

The Diocese of Sioux Falls encourages those who have been victims of sexual abuse or misconduct to contact its Victims Assistance Coordinator so that the Church might offer whatever assistance is appropriate.