FR Malachy Onuoha has been stood aside from ministry by his home diocese in Nigeria pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct some years ago in his native country.
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has confirmed that Fr Onuoha, the parish priest of Gatton-Laidley, was stood aside while in Nigeria on holidays. He will remain in Nigeria while the investigation into these allegations is conducted by an independent panel appointed by his Bishop.
Archbishop Mark Coleridge said Fr Onuoha’s return to the ministry would depend on the outcome of the investigation.
“The Archdiocese has only recently been made aware of the allegations and the investigation. None of the allegations refer to Fr Onuoha’s time in the Archdiocese,” Archbishop Coleridge wrote in a letter to Gatton-Laidley parishioners.
“However, the Archdiocese this week conducted a review of Fr Onuoha’s ministry in the Archdiocese.
“We are not aware of any complaints of Fr Onuoha’s conduct since his arrival in Brisbane.”
Archbishop Coleridge said the Archdiocese had measures in place should anyone wish to raise concerns about any paid or voluntary personnel in the Catholic Church.
The Church’s Professional Standards Office, based in Brisbane, examines all complaints of inappropriate behavior and refers matters to the relevant authority for investigation.
The Professional Standards Office can be reached on a confidential help line at 1800 337 928.
Details of the Professional Standards Office can be found on the Archdiocesan website: http://brisbanecatholic.org.au/support/professional-standards/
