By Ebele Ofodile
The Anglican Diocese of Awka has been thrown into turmoil as its Bishop, His Grace Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, faces a petition before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged illegal sales of church properties worth over ₦2 billion.
According to the petition filed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief G. Tagbo, on behalf of Prince Echezona Onuigbo of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka, the Bishop was accused of stripping the church of landed properties acquired by his late predecessor, Rev. Maxwell Anikwenwa. These properties were allegedly sold off without due process, in violation of the Church of Nigeria’s constitution.
The petitioners claim that Rev. Ibezim has already pocketed about ₦752 million from such land sales, with the total value of the stripped properties now exceeding ₦2 billion. Records presented alleged that multiple plots of land in Ifite, Amansea, and the prestigious Ngozika Estate, Awka, were sold to individuals and companies, including a prominent transport company, a professor, and other well-known figures.
It was also alleged that the Bishop attempted to silence critics by offering inducements, which were rejected. This move has since worsened divisions within the diocese, as he reportedly relieved the chancellor of his position.
