By HeapNews
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has assured the Awka High Court that it will suspend all actions against Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Awka, pending the court’s determination of a suit concerning the alleged sale of church lands.
Counsel to the EFCC, Mr. C. A. Okoli, gave the assurance on Friday during the court sitting, saying the Commission would “maintain the status quo” until the matter is fully resolved.
“We are law-abiding and will stay all actions pending the determination of the substantive application,” Okoli told the court. “We are, however, requesting a date for hearing.”
Okoli explained that the Commission’s invitation letter to Bishop Ibezim, dated October 7, was issued before it became aware of the pending court case.
Representing Bishop Ibezim, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr. Beluolisa Nwofor informed the court that both parties had agreed that the EFCC would refrain from inviting, arresting, or taking any further action against the Archbishop while the case is ongoing.
Nwofor further urged the court to suspend the EFCC’s October 7 invitation letter, signed by Farouk Abdullah on behalf of the Acting Zonal Director, Enugu, until the matter is determined.
In her ruling, the Presiding Judge, Justice Peace Otti, directed that a hearing notice be issued to the second respondent, Mr. Echezona Onuigbo, who was absent in court. The matter was adjourned to November 27 for the hearing of the substantive application and any other pending motions.
The case stems from a petition filed by leaders of the Awka Diocese of the Anglican Church, alleging unauthorized sale of church lands by Bishop Ibezim. The petition, dated July 28, was submitted to the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate by Chief G. Tagbo (SAN) on behalf of Mr. Echezona Onuigbo of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka.
The petitioners allege that Bishop Ibezim lacked the authority to sell any church property, insisting that only the Church’s Board of Trustees (BoT) are the legal custodians of such assets.
The case has drawn public attention within the church community, as both sides await the court’s decision on the matter.