The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has spoken on the order stopping the arrest of the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev Dr Alex Ibezim.
NATIONAL POST recalls that the Bishop has been a subject of investigation over alleged fraud.
This was following a petition to the EFCC by a member of the diocese, Prince Bonti Onuigbo. He accused the Bishop of fraudulent deals in the handling of the church’s affairs.
But the Bishop who denied the allegations challenged it and obtained an order restraining the commission from arresting him.
The commission has now stated that it would abide by the restraining order of court.
During a court session at Anambra High court sitting in Awka on Friday, the EFCC confirmed through its counsel, C.A. Okoli that it had received an order restraining it from arresting the Bishop.
He promised that they will neither issue any more invitation letter to the applicant nor try to arrest him until the case is determined.
Counsel to the Bishop, Beluolisa Nwofor, SAN, confirmed in an Awka High Court that it will stay all actions pending the determination of the substantive suit on the matter.
Nwofor said himself and the counsel for the first respondent i.e the EFCC have agreed that, there will be no further invitation of the applicant by the EFCC, no arrest of the applicant while this matter is pending in court.
While the petitioner was absent in court, Archbishop Ibezim was represented by Beluolisa Nwofor, SAN.
The trial Judge, Justice Peace Otti adjourned the case to 27th November 2025 for the hearing of the substantive suit.
