By Chinaza Osigwe
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pledged to suspend all actions against the Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, pending the determination of a case before the Awka High Court in Anambra State.Counsel to the EFCC, Mr. C. A. Okoli, informed the court that the Commission would maintain the status quo and halt further proceedings concerning the alleged sale of church lands. He explained that the invitation letter earlier issued to the Bishop on October 7 was sent before the EFCC became aware of the pending case.“We are law-abiding and will stay all actions pending the determination of the substantive application. We, however, request a date for hearing,” Okoli told the court.Bishop Ibezim’s counsel, Mr. Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN), confirmed that both parties had agreed that the EFCC would refrain from inviting, arresting, or taking further action against the Archbishop until the matter is resolved. Nwofor also urged the court to suspend the EFCC’s October 7 invitation letter signed by Farouk Abdullah on behalf of the Acting Zonal Director, Enugu.Presiding Judge, Justice Peace Otti, directed that a hearing notice be issued to the second respondent, Mr. Echezona Onuigbo, who was not present in court, and adjourned the case to November 27 for hearing of the substantive application and any pending motions.The case stems from a petition dated July 28, submitted to the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate by Chief G. Tagbo (SAN) on behalf of Mr. Onuigbo of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka. The petition accuses Bishop Ibezim of the unauthorised sale of church lands, arguing that the Church’s Board of Trustees remains the rightful custodian of all church property.
