FULL REPORT: Bishop Ibezim Sues Anglican Primate Over 6 Month Compulsory Leave, Insists Due Process Wasn't Followed

The Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has dragged the Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, and the Dean of the Church, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, to the High Court of Anambra State via a suit, marked A/371/2026 and filed on October 13, 2026, at the Awka Judicial Division through lead counsel BEI Nwofor (SAN) and others, amid a directive from the Primate placing Ibezim on six months’ compulsory leave with immediate effect.

In his originating summons and supporting affidavit, Ibezim argues that the Church of Nigeria has a clear due process for disciplining a serving bishop or archbishop. He cites Sections 55, 75(1)–(5), and 76(1)–(5) of the Constitution and Canons, together with Sections 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 of Canon XVI.

Under these provisions, a bishop against whom charges are brought is to be tried before a court consisting of the Primate and other bishops, with a minimum of six bishops including the Primate but excluding the accused. He maintains that no formal charge relating to any of the offences listed under Canon XVI has been preferred against him, no Articles of Presentment have been served, and no ecclesiastical trial has taken place.

He contends that any suspension, removal, retirement, or dismissal without strict compliance with these procedures would be unconstitutional, illegal, ultra vires, null and void. He also relies on Section 4 of Canon X, which he says entitles him to remain Bishop of Awka until the age of 70, and seeks orders preventing any truncation of his tenure before that age.

Bishop Ibezim further alleges that at the October 9, 2026 meeting, the Primate presented him with options including a four-month suspension or remaining in office for nine months followed by compulsory retirement, which are options he regards as threats of disciplinary action outside due process. He has also challenged the Visitation Team as illegally constituted and noted that he was not given a copy of its report despite requests.

He in the originating summon, seeks declarations on the applicable disciplinary procedures, an order declaring any non-compliant measures null and void, and an interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants and anyone acting through them from issuing or serving any letter of suspension, removal, retirement, or dismissal pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The originating summon in parts [Full copy to be made available later].

Recall that Primate Ndukuba in a letter dated October 13, 2026, directed Ibezim to proceed on six months’ leave or such other period as the Church leadership may revise. He appointed the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during the period.

Bishop Ibezim was ordered to hand over his responsibilities immediately and barred from officiating at any activities of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger, or the Diocese of Awka throughout the leave.

The Primate stated that the decision followed recent developments in the Diocese of Awka that raised concerns about the integrity and reputation of the Church of Nigeria. He referenced administrative investigations, including the report of a visitation team led by Dean Enyindah, and a meeting held with Ibezim on October 9, 2026, at which the report was discussed.

Primate Ndukuba acted under Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, 2020, which grants the Primate general authority and supervisory powers. He explicitly clarified that the leave is an administrative measure intended to enable a fair and thorough investigation and to create room for peace and reconciliation in the diocese, and that it does not constitute a disciplinary sanction.

The current crisis centres on allegations that Ibezim authorised or facilitated the sale of church-owned lands in the Diocese of Awka valued at more than ₦2 billion without proper authorisation.

A petition dated July 28, 2025, was submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Enugu Zonal Directorate by Chief G. Tagbo (SAN) on behalf of Echezona Onuigbo also referred to as Prince Bonti Echezona Onuigbo, a member of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka. The petition accused the bishop of selling church properties without the mandatory approval of the Board of Trustees, who are the legal custodians of church assets, and of converting the proceeds.

Specific parcels listed in related reports included multiple plots at Ifite, Awka, Amansea, and Ngozika Estate, Awka, with individual sale values ranging from tens of millions to over ₦100 million naira. Petitioners claimed the total value of the affected properties had risen significantly beyond the original sale figures.

Bishop Ibezim has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as false and aimed at tarnishing his image and that of the Church. In August 2025, an emergency Diocesan Board meeting of the Diocese of Awka reportedly cleared him of financial impropriety claims after reviewing records. Diocesan officials, including the treasurer and financial secretary, stated that proceeds from land sales were paid into diocesan accounts, and the board resolved that the petition was unfounded.

Despite this internal clearance, the matter escalated. The Primate constituted a Panel of Inquiry in August 2025 into the management and disposal of diocesan assets. Ibezim appeared before the panel on August 29–30, 2025, filed a preliminary objection challenging its competence, and gave evidence. He has alleged that the complainant did not appear and that he was refused a copy of the panel’s report.

In June 2026, the Primate set up a Visitation Team to the Diocese of Awka, chaired by Dean Enyindah. Ibezim has challenged the legality of this team’s constitution in his current suit.

In September 2025, the Anambra State High Court granted Ibezim an interim injunction restraining the EFCC from arresting, detaining, or harassing him in connection with the petition, pending the hearing of a substantive motion. The EFCC later confirmed it would maintain the status quo and suspend further action until the court determined the matter.

This is a developing report, as more is being made available, this article will be updated. 

STICK AROUND

ENB.