Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have reportedly arrived in Awka, the Anambra State capital, to arrest the Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim.
The cleric is accused of being involved in questionable land transactions, including the alleged sale of church property near Ngozika Estate in Awka to a major transport company, Chisco Group.
A source familiar with the matter said the Archbishop is currently evading arrest while depending on his legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr. Nwofor, to stop the EFCC’s move.
“The EFCC is in town to arrest him. The Archbishop is in hiding while his lawyer is seeking an ex-parte order to stop the Commission,” the source told reporters.
It was also gathered that Mr. Nwofor had tried last Thursday to secure an urgent court hearing before the public holiday but was unsuccessful. In addition, the legal team has reportedly filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit on behalf of the Archbishop.
The development has caused tension within the Awka Diocese, with fresh accusations that church funds were diverted through the sale of landed assets.
As of press time, Archbishop Ibezim has not publicly responded to the allegations.
