ABUJA: The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has announced the constitution of an independent investigation panel to look into allegations of financial impropriety leveled against one of its Bishops.
The Church, in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its General Secretary, the Venerable Gershinen Paul Dajur, said it is fully committed to integrity, transparency, and accountability, in line with the teachings of Christ.
According to Dr Dajur, the high-powered panel will be chaired by a retired judge and tasked with conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations.
“The Church of Nigeria is aware of reports circulating on social media and in the mainstream press concerning allegations of financial impropriety involving one of our Bishops.
“Accordingly, we have immediately constituted an independent, high-level investigation panel to examine the allegations and establish the truth, whilst ensuring complete transparency and fairness throughout the process”, he said.
The leadership of the Anglican Communion urged members of the Church and the general public to avoid speculation while the probe is ongoing, assuring that appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with biblical principles and the Church’s governance structures.
“The Church is greater than any individual, and we remain steadfast in our mission to serve God and humanity with sincerity,” Dajur stated, calling for prayers for wisdom, unity, and healing during the period.
Newshubng.com reports that the Anglican Diocese of Awka had last week absolved its Archbishop, His Grace, The Most Revd Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, of alleged financial misconduct following an emergency sitting of the Diocesan Board.
At the meeting held on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Diocesan Retreat and Resource Centre, Okpuno, the Board dismissed reports suggesting that the Archbishop diverted land-sale proceeds into his private account.
The petition, filed by Prince Bonti Echezona Onuigbo through his lawyer, Chief Tagbo Ike, SAN, accused the Archbishop of siphoning more than ₦752 million from the sale of church lands and of laying off over 1,000 workers.
