“I’d Rather Hawk Groundnuts Than Sell My Body,” Says Dismissed Catholic Nun, Kinse

Anastasia Kinse, a former Catholic reverend sister, has spoken out following her controversial dismissal from the Congregation of Mother of Perpetual Help of the Archangels Sisters under the Auchi Diocese in Edo State.

Kinse, who devoted ten years of her life to religious service, alleges that she was unjustly expelled after reporting a case of sexual harassment at Veritas University, Abuja, where she served as a Graduate Assistant.

Her account, published by Punch Newspapers on October 12, 2025, has reignited discussions on abuse, silence, and accountability within both religious and academic institutions.

“I would rather hawk chin chin and groundnuts on the street than sell my body,” Kinse declared, describing the harsh realities she has faced since her dismissal.

The former nun revealed she is battling a painful disc bulge sustained in a past motorcycle accident. Despite her financial struggles, she insists on maintaining her dignity and independence, rejecting assistance from those she believes contributed to her ordeal.

Kinse recounted that her troubles began after she reported a senior academic at Veritas University for alleged sexual harassment. Instead of receiving protection or support, she claims the institution turned against her, subjecting her to a disciplinary hearing she described as intimidating and biased.

According to her, her phone was confiscated during the session, and the questioning felt more like an interrogation of a suspect than the testimony of a victim. She alleged that the eventual recommendation for her dismissal was based on false claims that she had renounced Christianity.

Expressing deep disappointment, Kinse accused the Church of prioritizing its public image over justice. She alleged that priests who had previously made advances toward her were ironically appointed to “counsel” her afterward. She also claimed that her superiors and the bishop failed to seek her side of the story, opting instead to contact her family and suggest she was mentally unstable — an act she interprets as an attempt to discredit her.

Despite everything, Kinse maintains that she remains spiritually consecrated, insisting that no letter of dismissal can nullify her vows before God.

While her faith in divine justice remains unshaken, she admits her trust in human institutions has been severely tested.

Kinse’s experience sheds light on the plight of women in religious and academic settings who dare to challenge abuse and misconduct. Her decision to speak out — despite personal and social backlash — has sparked renewed calls for transparency, justice, and stronger protection for whistleblowers within Nigeria’s Catholic community.

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