Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), from arresting Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, Bishop of Awka Diocese (Anglican Communion), over alleged unauthorised sale of church-owned lands.
Justice F.I. Aniukwu, sitting in Awka, granted the interim injunction.
The injunction followed a Motion Ex-parte dated Sept.4, filed by the applicant, Ibezim, through his counsel led by Mr B.E.I. Nwofor (SAN).
The applicant brought the ex parte motion pursuant to Orders 3 and 4(a), (b)(iv), and (v) of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules.
The motion prayed the court to restrain EFCC from taking any action against the Bishop.
Newsmen obtained a copy of the order in Awka on Thursday.
The Court Order
“An Order of interim injunction is granted restraining the Respondents from arresting, or detaining the Applicant in connection with the facts of this case.
“”The Order will remain in effect until the parties have fully exchanged processes.
“This should be in respect of the Motion on Notice No: A/1307M/2025, filed alongside the Motion Ex Parte and the Motion on Notice heard or fixed for hearing by the regular Court seised of the suit.
“Unless renewed, the Order of Interim Injunction herein granted shall elapse 21 days from today,”it said.
Recall that leaders of the Awka Diocese of the Anglican Church petitioned EFCC over the alleged unauthorised sale of church lands by Bishop Ibezim.
Chief G Tagbo, SAN submitted a petition dated July 28, 2025, to the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.on behalf of Mr Echezona Onuigbo of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka, Anambra.
The petition alleges that Bishop Ibezim had no authority to sell any church property.
It stated that the Church’s Board of Trustees (BoT) are the legal custodians of such assets.
