The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified efforts to arrest the Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Grace, Rev. Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim, following allegations of involvement in questionable land transactions.
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that EFCC operatives have been in Awka, the Anambra State capital, seeking to take the Archbishop into custody. However, he is reportedly evading arrest while his legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Nwofor, works to forestall the process.
“The EFCC has been in town to pick him up. He is relying on Nwofor (SAN) to block the arrest. The Archbishop is in hiding while his lawyer is shopping for an ex-parte order to restrain the EFCC,” a reliable source told our correspondent.
Legal Maneuvers to Stall Arrest
It was gathered that Nwofor had attempted, unsuccessfully, to secure an urgent hearing on Thursday for an application seeking to bar EFCC from effecting the arrest. The move came ahead of the Friday public holiday, which stalled proceedings.
The cleric’s legal team has also filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit, arguing that the EFCC’s actions infringe on his constitutional rights.
Allegations of Misappropriation
The allegations against Archbishop Ibezim revolve around the alleged mismanagement and diversion of church funds through controversial land sales. Specifically, he is accused of illegally disposing of church property near Ngozika Estate, Awka, reportedly sold to transport conglomerate Chisco Group.
While the EFCC has not officially released a detailed statement on the matter, insiders say investigators are focused on allegations that the proceeds of the transactions were not properly accounted for and may have been diverted for personal use.
Church and Public Reaction
The development has stirred shockwaves within the Anglican community in Anambra and beyond, with some parishioners expressing disbelief, while others call for transparency and accountability. Religious analysts note that the case, if pursued in court, could test the balance between the moral authority of the church and the enforcement of financial accountability laws.
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