Nigeria’s Anglican Church Primate Suspends Archbishop Ibezim Over Alleged N2billion Church Land Sale
Nigeria’s Anglican Church Primate Suspends Archbishop Ibezim Over Alleged N2billion Church Land Sale
Ndukuba also appointed the Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata, the Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence.
There is mounting tension within the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) as the Primate, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, has suspended the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander C. Ibezim, over the alleged unauthorized sale of church land valued at over ₦2 billion.
In a letter dated Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the Primate directed Ibezim to proceed on six months’ leave with immediate effect amid ongoing investigations into the allegations and recent developments in the diocese.
Ndukuba also appointed the Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata, the Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence.
In a letter addressed to Ibezim, Ndukuba said the decision followed recent developments in the Diocese of Awka, where the Archbishop had been at the centre of various allegations and events that, according to the Primate, raised concerns about the integrity and reputation of the Church of Nigeria.
Ndukuba cited administrative panels set up to investigate the developments, particularly a visitation team led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, whose report had been submitted and considered. He also referred to a meeting with Ibezim on Friday, October 9, during which the team’s report was discussed.
The Primate said the action was taken pursuant to Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020, which grants the Primate general authority and supervisory powers over the Church.
Ndukuba explained that the administrative measure was intended to allow a fair and thorough investigation into the allegations, while creating room for the restoration of peace and reconciliation in the Diocese of Awka.
He specifically clarified that the leave did not constitute a disciplinary sanction, but was an administrative step to facilitate an impartial inquiry.
During the period, Ezeofor is to assume and exercise episcopal responsibilities and oversight of both the Diocese of Awka and the Province of the Niger.
Ibezim was also barred from officiating any activities of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger, or the Anglican Diocese of Awka throughout his leave. He was further instructed to prepare for and effect an immediate handover of his responsibilities to Ezeofor before leaving.
Copies of the letter were sent to Ezeofor, the Chancellor and Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, the Provincial Council of the Province of the Niger, and the Diocesan Board of the Diocese of Awka.
Although the letter did not specify the nature of the allegations, SaharaReporters gathered that Archbishop Ibezim was recently accused of selling church lands worth over ₦2 billion without authorisation.
The allegation, which snowballed into a major legal and ecclesiastical crisis, sparked speculation that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) wanted to arrest the Archbishop.
This followed a petition dated July 28, submitted to the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC by Chief G. Tagbo (SAN) of Ike Ike Associates, on behalf of Echezona Onuigbo, a church member at the St. Faith Cathedral, Awka.
The arrest was, however, restrained by the Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka through an order granted by Justice F.I. Aniukwu in response to a motion ex parte dated September 4, 2025, filed by the Archbishop through his legal counsel, B.E.I. Nwofor (SAN).
Granting the order, the Judge held that, “an order of interim injunction is granted restraining the respondents acting by themselves or by their staff, servants, officers, workers or agents from arresting, or detaining the applicant in connection with the facts of this case.
“The interim order is made to last till such a period that the parties would have fully exchanged processes 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 ceased of the suit. Unless renewed, the order of interim injunction herein granted shall elapse 21 days from today,” it said.
The controversy also led to the sacking of the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka, Hon Justice O. J. Okeke (retd), by the Archbishop.
