Court Bars EFCC From Arresting Anambra Anglican Bishop Over Alleged Land Sale

The Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting the Bishop of Awka Diocese (Anglican Communion), Alexander Ibezim, over allegations of unauthorised sale of church-owned land.

Justice F.I. Aniukwu issued the interim order following a motion ex parte dated September 4 and filed by Ibezim through his counsel, B.E.I. Nwofor (SAN). The application, brought under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, sought protection from any action by the EFCC pending the determination of the substantive suit.

In the ruling, the court directed the anti-graft agency and its representatives to refrain from arresting or detaining the bishop in connection with the allegations. The order will remain in force for 21 days unless renewed, or until both parties exchange processes and the motion on notice is heard.

The case stems from a petition submitted on July 28 to the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate by Chief G. Tagbo (SAN) on behalf of Echezona Onuigbo of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka. The petition accused the bishop of selling church property without proper authority, arguing that only the Board of Trustees, as legal custodians of church assets, can approve such transactions.

The controversy has stirred tensions within the Awka Diocese, with church leaders insisting that the sale violated established governance structures. The court is expected to take up the substantive matter in the coming weeks.