Police explain presence at suspended Archbishop Ibezim’s church service

Anambra State police said officers were present at St Faith’s Anglican Cathedral in Awka on Sunday to maintain order and prevent a breach of the peace during a service conducted by Archbishop Alexander Ibezim. Primate Henry Ndukuba suspended Ibezim for six months and barred him from officiating in the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger, or the Diocese of Awka during that period. The Awka Diocese Board rejected the suspension and threatened to join the Church of England. Police said their deployment did not endorse either side and urged the public not to spread claims that could inflame tensions.