The Catholic priest and family of Joseph and Elizabeth Edeh have issued a comprehensive clarification amid a brewing family dispute concerning the ownership and shares of Mayfresh Mortgage Bank.
The controversy escalated following online reports alleging that Professor Martin Anagboso, Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) of Madonna University, Okija, was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over accusations of stealing company shares and falsifying documents related to Mayfresh Mortgage Bank.
However, these reports have been vehemently denied by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh also known as Fr. Edeh who personally visited EFCC headquarters to provide recorded clarifications, emphasizing that there was no arrest. He affirmed that the mortgage bank belongs solely to the church, stating clearly, "Mayfresh Mortgage Bank Ltd and all its shares belong to the CHURCH NOT FAMILY."
Fr. Edeh admonished family members to cease any disputes or claims over the bank’s ownership, warning them to remove their hands from matters concerning Mayfresh Mortgage Bank Ltd.
Regarding allegations against Revered Sisters Annette Ezekwem and Gertrude Okafor, Fr. Edeh explained there was no EFCC invitation to them; rather, they were assisting him in handling church and school banking transactions. He asserted his role as Founder and Chancellor of Madonna University and Mayfresh Mortgage Bank and declared no missing funds or complaints against any staff.
Further clarifying, Fr. Edeh noted that Mrs. Maria Goretti Edeh-Omego, his younger sister, is not a staff member of Madonna University and thus not in a position to accuse his staff of theft. He highlighted that all fund transfers executed by Professor Martin Anagboso and the two reverend sisters were authorized by him and urged Mrs. Maria Goretti Edeh-Omego to stop harassing staff and damaging reputations under the guise of EFCC investigations.
In an act of generosity, Fr. Edeh recounted supporting Mrs. Omego with scholarships and educational support for her children. He also clarified his previous allocations of family assets, including transfer of ownership of microfinance banks and properties, aiming at peaceful management across different family lines.
The family, at an expanded meeting held on August 9, 2025, resolved to withdraw the case from the EFCC and dismissed claims that Mayfresh Mortgage Bank is a family business, reinforcing that it belongs to the church. They urged all parties to settle disputes amicably, respecting Fr. Edeh’s decisions.
Despite EFCC instructions, Mrs. Maria Goretti Edeh-Omego reportedly refused to attend meetings and continued media campaigns that the family says aim to tarnish Fr. Edeh's and Madonna University’s names.