Court Blocks EFCC From Arresting Anglican Archbishop Alexander Ibezim

An Anambra State High Court in Awka has granted an interim injunction stopping the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim.

The order followed an ex-parte application filed by the Archbishop’s counsel, Chief B.E. Nwofor, SAN, seeking to restrain the EFCC and its agents from taking any action against his client until the court fully hears the matter.

Justice F.I. Aniukwu, ruling on the application, relied on the Fundamental Human Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, Section 46(1) of the 1999 Constitution, and the court’s inherent jurisdiction to grant the relief.

The interim injunction will remain valid until both parties exchange processes on Motion on Notice No: A/1307M/2025 and the application is heard. Unless renewed, the order will expire after 21 days, effective from 9 September 2025.

The ruling has stirred widespread interest, given Archbishop Ibezim’s prominent role in the Anglican Communion and his influence in the South-East. The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.