Why We Haven’t Arrested Most Rev. Ibezim — EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained why it has not arrested the Anglican Archbishop on the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise.

The anti-graft agency clarified that it is abiding by a court order which restrains it from taking further action against the cleric pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Awka High Court. The Commission had earlier invited the Archbishop for questioning over allegations of impropriety raised by some members of the Anglican Church concerning the sale of church lands.

During court proceedings at the weekend in suit No. A/MISC-446/2025, presided over by Justice Peace Otti, EFCC counsel C.A. Okoli informed the court that the Commission had suspended all actions in respect of the matter. Okoli assured that the EFCC would neither issue further invitation letters to the Archbishop nor attempt to arrest him until the case is fully resolved.

Although the petitioner, Prince Echezona Bonti Onuigbo, was not present in court, Archbishop Ibezim was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN).

Justice Peace Otti adjourned the matter to November 27, 2025, for the hearing of the substantive suit.