Primate appoints Bishop Ezeofor to oversee Awka Diocese, Province of the Niger amid investigation

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has directed the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander C. Ibezim, to proceed on six months’ leave with immediate effect amid investigations into allegations and recent developments within the diocese.

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, announced the decision in a letter dated Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while appointing the Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger during Ibezim’s absence.

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In the letter addressed to Ibezim, Ndukuba said the decision followed developments in the Diocese of Awka that had raised concerns about the integrity and reputation of the Church of Nigeria.

He referenced administrative investigations into the matter, particularly the report of a visitation team led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, which had been submitted and considered by the church leadership.

The Primate also cited a meeting with Ibezim on Friday, October 9, during which the visitation team’s report was discussed.

According to the letter, the directive was issued pursuant to Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020, which provides for the Primate’s general authority and supervisory powers over the church.

Ndukuba explained that the administrative measure was intended to facilitate a fair and thorough investigation, while creating an opportunity to restore peace and promote reconciliation within the Diocese of Awka.

He stressed that the leave should not be interpreted as a disciplinary sanction but as an administrative arrangement designed to allow an impartial inquiry into the issues affecting the diocese.

The letter stated that the leave would last for an initial period of six months, subject to any revision the church leadership might consider necessary.

During this period, Ezeofor will assume episcopal responsibilities and oversee the affairs of both the Diocese of Awka and the Province of the Niger.

Ibezim was also directed not to officiate at any activities of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Province of the Niger or the Diocese of Awka throughout the period of his leave.

The Primate further instructed the archbishop to make immediate arrangements to hand over his responsibilities to Ezeofor at his office before departing.

Copies of the letter were sent to Ezeofor, the Chancellor and Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, the Provincial Council of the Province of the Niger and the Diocesan Board of the Diocese of Awka.

Background to the controversy

Although the letter did not disclose the specific allegations against Ibezim or provide details of the visitation team’s findings, reports have linked the controversy to allegations that the archbishop sold church lands valued at more than ₦2 billion without authorisation.

The allegation reportedly triggered a legal and ecclesiastical dispute, alongside speculation that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was seeking to arrest the archbishop.

The development followed a petition dated July 28 and submitted to the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate by Chief G. Tagbo (SAN) of Ike Ike Associates on behalf of Echezona Onuigbo, a member of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka.

However, an arrest was reportedly restrained by the Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka following an order granted by Justice F. I. Aniukwu in response to a motion ex parte dated September 4, 2025. The application was filed by Ibezim through his counsel, B. E. I. Nwofor (SAN).

The controversy also reportedly resulted in the removal of the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka, Hon. Justice O. J. Okeke (retd.), by the archbishop.

The circumstances surrounding the allegations and the outcome of the church’s ongoing investigation remain unclear, as the Primate’s letter did not disclose the details of the findings or specify the allegations under investigation.

The six-month leave and the appointment of Ezeofor mark a significant administrative development in the leadership of the Diocese of Awka and the Province of the Niger as the church seeks to address the issues and restore stability.

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Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, in Benue State, triggering a security operation to secure his safe release.

Fr. Otache, the Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area, was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while returning from Otukpo along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road.

The abduction is said to be the second reported kidnapping involving a priest serving at the parish.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Aondogu Orchia, said tactical teams had been deployed to track down the kidnappers and rescue the priest.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, has appealed to the public to intensify prayers for the safe and unharmed return of the abducted cleric.

The police have commenced efforts to locate the perpetrators and secure the priest’s release.

The Senate on Thursday called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a corps member, Etimbuk Daniel, at an NYSC orientation camp in Enugu.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Sen. Aniekan Bassey (APC-Akwa Ibom North-East) during plenary.

Bassey said the Senate received with shock and profound grief the news of Daniel’s death while undergoing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in Enugu.

Etimbuk Daniel

He described the deceased as an outstanding student leader and former Students’ Union Government (SUG) president of Akwa Ibom State University who had embarked on national service.

Bassey expressed concern over reports that Daniel died following complications from a minor headache after allegedly experiencing delays in receiving adequate medical attention at the camp’s clinic.

He said the incident raised concerns about healthcare services in NYSC orientation camps, particularly the availability of qualified medical personnel, functional facilities and effective emergency referral systems.

The senator said the reported lapses highlighted the need to review healthcare delivery in orientation camps to prevent similar tragedies and protect corps members.

He emphasised that the government had a constitutional responsibility to safeguard citizens’ welfare, adding that young graduates mobilised for national service deserved adequate medical care throughout their service.

Bassey said Daniel’s death had plunged his family, the Akwa Ibom State University community and the entire state into mourning.

Seconding the motion, Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North) supported the call for an investigation, emphasising the importance of establishing the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death and ensuring accountability.

The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and prayed that God would grant his family the strength to bear the loss.

It also called for a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding Daniel’s death and determine whether negligence contributed to the incident.

The Senate directed its committees on Police, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Youth Development, and Health to investigate the matter alongside the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the proceedings, thanked Bassey for bringing the matter before the Senate and urged the relevant committees to conduct a thorough investigation. (NAN)