EFCC suspends action on petition against Archbishop Ibezim

By Vincent Ujumadu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has agreed to suspend each actions connected a petition filed against the Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Ibezim, Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anglican Communion, pending the determination of a tribunal lawsuit connected the matter.

The petition, dated July 28, was submitted to the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate by Chief G. Tagbo (SAN), counsel to the petitioner, Mr. Echezona Onuigbo. In the petition, Onuigbo alleged that Bishop Ibezim unlawfully sold religion land, arguing that lone the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Anglican Church is legally empowered to grip specified transactions.

At the tribunal sitting, Mr. C. A. Okoli, counsel to the EFCC, informed the tribunal that the Commission would support the presumption quo and refrain from immoderate further enactment against Bishop Ibezim until the substantive lawsuit is decided.

Okoli explained that the EFCC’s invitation missive to the Archbishop, dated October 7, was issued earlier the bureau became alert of the pending litigation.

“We are law-abiding and volition enactment each actions pending the determination of the substantive application. We are, however, requesting a day for hearing,”

Okoli told the court.

Earlier, Bishop Ibezim’s counsel, Mr. Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN), informed the tribunal that some parties had mutually agreed that the EFCC would not invite, arrest, oregon instrumentality immoderate further enactment against his lawsuit portion the lawsuit is ongoing.

Nwofor besides urged the tribunal to formally suspend the EFCC’s October 7 invitation letter, signed by Mr. Farouk Abdullah connected behalf of the Acting Zonal Director, Enugu, until the substantive suit is concluded.

In her ruling, Justice Peace Otti directed that a proceeding announcement beryllium issued to the 2nd respondent, Mr. Echezona Onuigbo, who was absent from the proceedings.

The justice adjourned the substance to November 27 for proceeding of the substantive exertion and immoderate different pending motions.

The station EFCC suspends enactment connected petition against Archbishop Ibezim appeared archetypal connected Vanguard News.