‎ECWA Denies Contempt Allegations in Kano DCC Crisis, says Reports is False, Misleading

By Emmanuel Kwada

‎The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), one of Nigeria’s largest Protestant denominations, has strongly refuted claims of ongoing contempt of court in the long-running leadership dispute involving the Kano Central District Church Council (DCC).

‎In an official statement, ECWA leadership categorically denied the existence of any valid, subsisting court order restraining the Kano Central DCC executives from parading themselves as officials.

‎The church described recent media reports alleging “fresh contempt” and defiance of multiple Kano State High Court injunctions as “utterly false” and part of a pattern of misinformation.

‎ECWA emphasized its consistent respect for the judiciary, stating: “It is not true. There is no valid court order restraining Kano Central DCC from parading themselves as executives. It is utterly false that B.Y. Gambo forced ECWA Counsel Yakubu Bawa to withdraw any application in Court. ECWA is not in the habit of disobeying any court order.

“ECWA Leadership has never disobeyed any valid Court. It is in consistent obedience to Court Orders. Additionally, we uphold the judiciary in high respect and dignity and are staunch believers in the principles of the rule of law.”

‎The controversy stems from a prolonged internal dispute over the structure and leadership of ECWA’s Kano operations, which traces back to at least 2018 and escalated with decisions around the creation or splitting of district councils.

‎Earlier reports from mid-2025 referenced court actions, including a summons issued to an ECWA president figure in August 2025 for alleged contempt related to an inauguration, and claims of ignored restraining orders around that period.

‎However, ECWA maintains that no such enforceable orders currently bar the activities in question.

‎The church’s legal adviser and representatives have previously clarified in public statements that key court processes were not properly served on national leadership at the time of certain events, and that subsequent proceedings; including any applications to set aside orders were handled in full compliance with legal procedures without external coercion.

‎The leadership has pointed out that media portrayals often amplify unverified claims from one side of the dispute, ignoring the church’s documented adherence to court processes.

‎No recent public court records from February 2026 confirm new contempt proceedings or active restraints specifically targeting the current Kano Central DCC executives as alleged in some sensational headlines.

‎The church urged stakeholders, members, and the public to rely on verified information from official ECWA channels rather than unsubstantiated reports that could exacerbate divisions.

‎ECWA reiterated its dedication to peace, unity, and full respect for Nigeria’s judicial system amid the ongoing matter.