The Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Emmanuel Edeh, and the entire family of Joseph and Elizabeth Edeh have issued a clarification regarding the ongoing family dispute over the ownership and shares of Mayfresh Mortgage Bank.

Recall that an online medium had reported the arrest of Deputy Vice Chancellor of Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State, Professor Martin Anagboso, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of stealing company shares and falsifying documents related to Mayfresh Mortgage Bank at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

On the arrest of Rev. sisters over alleged diversion of funds by the same medium, the family at an expanded meeting dismissed the reports, clarifying that what was called an arrest never happened, as Fr Edeh visited EFCC headquarters to make a recorded clarification to the commission.

In a statement he personally signed, Rev. Fr Emmanuel Edeh, popularly referred to as Fr Edeh, clarified that the contentious mortgage bank, Mayfresh, belongs to the church and not the family, as claimed by his younger sister, Mrs Maria Goretti Edeh-Omego.

He said, “Mayfresh Mortgage Bank Ltd and all its shares belong to the CHURCH, NOT FAMILY.”

The statement warned all family members to desist from fighting for what is not theirs. “Therefore, all the family members should remove their hands from everything that has to do with Mayfresh Mortgage Bank Ltd,” he warned.

Dismissing the alleged arrest of Rev. Sr Annette Ezekwem and Sr Gertrude Okafor, he said there was no invitation by EFCC, as he was the one who instructed them to open an account to help him with banking transactions for the church and school projects.

“I am the founder and chancellor of Madonna University and Mayfresh Mortgage Bank, and I did not complain that any fund is missing in the institution or bank.”

He clarified further that “Mrs. Maria Goretti Edeh-Omego is not a staff member of Madonna University and cannot be the one accusing my staff of stealing,” stating that all “transfers carried out by Professor Martin Anagboso and my two Reverend sisters were all done with my authorisation.She should stop harassing my dedicated staff and tarnishing the image of committed staff with the name of EFCC.”

The Catholic priest recounted how he supported Mrs Omego in various ways, stating, “I was the person who got her scholarship and paid for her going and studying in America. All her children who studied at Madonna University did so on my scholarship.

“I founded and handed over to Mrs Maria Goretti Edeh-Omego Ohha Micro-Finance Bank Ltd 100% with 2 Mayfresh Bank properties in Maraba and Ziks Avenue, Enugu.

Further to his generosity and openness, Edeh said since the Topclass Micro Finance Bank Ltd cannot be handled peacefully by the families of the late Chief Stephen Edeh, Arch John Paul Edeh and Chief Magistrate Ngozi, he has decided to hand over to the late Chief Stephen Edeh’s family Gold International Transport Nig. Ltd.

“I hand over to Arch John Paul Edeh and his family Topclass Micro Finance Bank Ltd 100 per cent. I also hand over to Chief Magistrate Mrs Ngozi Ede-Anih and her family the Mayfresh Estate at Emene, which is under construction. She will be supported to get a microfinance in her name,” he said.

Denying further the allegation against his staff, he said, “It is completely a lie for Mrs Maria Goretti Edeh-Omego, the late Chief Stephen Edeh and Arch John Paul Edeh to accuse my staff. Prof. Martin, Sr Annette and Prof. Okwudili of stealing their shares and establishment money. I hereby swear that these my staff have never stolen the establishment money or any of their shares.”

Recall that an expanded family meeting of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Edeh was held on August 9th, 2025, and attended by Very Rev. Fr Prof. Emmanuel Matthew Paul Edeh, Chief Magistrate Mrs Ngozi Ede-Anih and Mr Ugochukwu Edeh had urged all parties to withdraw the case from the EFCC and dismissed the claim that Mayfresh MB is a family business.

The family agreed that all matters be resolved amicably.

They further agreed that whichever way Fr Edeh chooses to settle his siblings, his siblings will be happy and appreciative of that.

Despite EFCC instruction, the family claims Mrs Maria has refused to turn up for meetings but has continued to engage in a media war against the family with the aim of damaging Fr Edeh’s reputation and that of Madonna University.

The family dismissed all allegations raised by Omego, warning her to desist from the claim that Mayfresh is family business, adding that the family agreed that the business belongs to the church.