Police Hold Peace Meeting with Anglican Bishops Over Church Crisis
Commissioner Nnanna Ama convened a peace meeting with Bishop Alexander Ibezim and supervising Bishop Samuel Ezeofor at Anambra State Police headquarters on Friday
In Brief
- •Commissioner Nnanna Ama convened a peace meeting with Bishop Alexander Ibezim and supervising Bishop Samuel Ezeofor at Anambra State Police headquarters on Friday
- •The meeting followed a six‑month suspension of Bishop Ibezim by Primate Henry Ndukuba over allegations of selling church land for N2 billion
- •Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga emphasized respect for ongoing court proceedings and urged restraint among church leaders
- •The dispute also involves Deputy Governor Onyekachi Ibezim, brother of the suspended bishop, though police deny taking sides
- •The meeting aimed to prevent parishioners from being drawn into the conflict and to uphold public order
Why It Matters
The clash between state police and the Anglican Church of Nigeria highlights the intersection of religious authority and governmental oversight in Nigeria. A resolution is vital to maintain social cohesion in Awka, where the church plays a central role in community life. The police’s intervention underscores the state's responsibility to ensure that ecclesiastical disputes do not spill into public disorder, while the church’s internal governance mechanisms are tested by allegations of financial misconduct.
Key Details
- Meeting Location
- Anambra State Police Headquarters, Awka
- Key Participants
- Bishop Alexander Ibezim, Bishop Samuel Ezeofor, Commissioner Nnanna Ama
- Suspension Duration
- Six months
- Allegation
- Sale of church land for N2 billion
- Police Spokesperson
- Tochukwu Ikenga
Context & Background
In September 2026, Primate Henry Ndukuba suspended Bishop Alexander Ibezim of Awka Diocese for six months amid accusations that he sold church land for N2 billion. The suspension sparked legal challenges and threatened to split the Diocese of Awka from the Church of Nigeria, prompting the state police to intervene.
Original Reporting & Sources
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