EFCC operatives have stormed Awka in pursuit of Archbishop Alexander Ibezim over disputed land dealings.
The cleric’s legal team is battling to block arrest, citing rights enforcement in court.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have reportedly moved into Awka, the Anambra State capital, to arrest the Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim, following allegations of unlawful land transactions.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the cleric is currently avoiding arrest while his lawyers, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Nwofor, are making legal efforts to stop the anti-graft agency.
The insider revealed that EFCC operatives have been in the state to pick up the Archbishop, but his legal team is working to shield him from arrest. The source added that the cleric is in hiding as his lawyer seeks a court order to restrain the EFCC.
It was further learned that Mr. Nwofor had earlier tried to get an urgent hearing on the matter before the Friday public holiday, but the application was not granted. In addition, the Archbishop’s legal team has filed a suit seeking to enforce his fundamental human rights.
Archbishop Ibezim is facing allegations of diverting church resources through questionable land sales. One of the properties in contention is a parcel of land near Ngozika Estate in Awka, which was allegedly sold to Chisco Group, a major transport company.
