Bishop Ibezim to appear before Primate’s Visitation Panel for alleged N2bn fraudulent sale of church lands

There appears to be no respite in sight for the embattled Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Bishop of the Niger Province and Bishop Of Awka Diocese, Bishop Alexander Ibezim, for his alleged involvement in alleged fraudulent sale of N2 billion lands belonging to the church.

Following public outcry over the alleged unauthorised sale of the lands, the Primate, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, has set up a high-powered visitation panel to probe circumstances leading to the transactions.

A letter of invitation to testify, contribute and submit documents to the visitation panel signed by the General Decretary of the Church, Venerable Paul Dajur, has been sent to all the individuals involved in the matter, including the Senior Advocate Barrister Tagbo, for them to appear before the panel on the 29th and 30th August, 2025 for proceedings of the visitation panel.

The visitation panel is to sit at St. Mathias Church Gudu, Abuja on the matter as directed by the Primate of the church due to the bad image the said action of the Bishop is said to have brought to the church following public reactions to media publications.

The panel is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the primate of the church, which has the final authority on issues of overseeing and management of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion.

Bishop Alexander Ibezim is also alleged to have diverted the sum of N750 million into his personal account after the sales.

The alleged fraudulent land sales were said to have been done by the bishop in utter violation of the church’ constitution and laid down procedures on management and sales of church properties.

These issues and other allegations blew open in a petition already written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Primate of the Anglican Communion by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Chief Tagbo Ike on behalf of Prince Echezona Bonti Onuigbo.

The secretary of Awka Diocese, the Very Rev. Chris Adimorah was said to have demanded his 10 per cent share of the sales for his legal and advisory services on the sales but was rebuffed by the Bishop.

In the wake of the crisis and to forestall public knowledge, the Bishop is said to have unjustifiably sacked the Secretary of the Diocese who blew open the can of worms.

The Bishop also sacked the Chancellor of the Diocese, the highly respected retired judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Okeke, who allegedly refused the offer of N20 million and a land to lend credence and authenticity to the illegal and fraudulent sales of the church land.

It will be recalled that in the wake of the scandal a revered Chancellor of the Church, a high court judge has resigned his appointment as Chancellor in sympathy with Justice Okeke and against the scandal in the church of God.