The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has launched a probe into the alleged assault and humiliation of a pastor and his wife during a church service in Ughelli North Local Council of Delta State.

The incident occurred on Sunday at a branch of the Assemblies of God Church and drew widespread outrage after claims that uniformed members linked to the church’s security structure attacked the couple.

Confirming the development on Monday, an NYCN executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the council’s chairman had ordered a discreet investigation. The probe will examine the role of the Royal Rangers, an affiliate body of the council.

“As one of our affiliate organisations, we cannot allow their actions to bring disgrace to the council,” the official said, adding that the NYCN would withhold further comment until the inquiry is concluded.

The council condemned the incident as unfortunate and said appropriate steps would follow its findings.

The Guardian learnt that the cleric, Anthony Akasa, and his wife, Grace Akasa, had been involved in a prolonged dispute with some church council members over his continued leadership of the branch.

Tensions reportedly escalated amid disagreements over his tenure, with some members pushing for his transfer. The situation intensified when Mrs Akasa was accused of witchcraft after a powdery substance was found in the church vestry.

She later appeared before the altar, praying and declaring her innocence. The claim was subsequently clarified by the church cleaner, who said the substance belonged to a chorister and had been picked up and left in the vestry, where a child later played with it.

Following the clarification, Pastor Akasa convened a meeting with church elders to present the new evidence, particularly as a petition had already been submitted against him to the church’s headquarters.

Church authorities later scheduled a meeting for both parties on Sunday. Witnesses said the situation escalated after the service, when members of the Royal Rangers—described as the church’s paramilitary-style security unit—allegedly attacked the pastor and his wife. Reports also indicated that tear gas was used.

Pastor Akasa, who has served in the ministry for nearly four decades and is about four years from retirement, is now at the centre of a deepening division within the congregation.

Members remain split, with some supporting him to complete his tenure in recognition of his long service, while others insist on his removal.

As the NYCN begins its investigation, stakeholders have called for transparency, accountability and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.