Anambra Police: Presence at Ibezim’s service to maintain peace

Anambra State Police said the heavy deployment at St. Faith’s Anglican Cathedral in Awka during a Sunday service conducted by suspended Archbishop Alexander Ibezim was intended to maintain order and protect lives and property. Church of Nigeria Primate Henry Ndukuba suspended Ibezim for six months pending investigations and barred him from officiating, while Samuel Ezeofor was directed to oversee the Diocese of Awka and the Archdiocese on the Niger. The Diocese of Awka’s board rejected the suspension and threatened to join the Church of England. Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said the force was neutral and urged the public not to circulate claims that could inflame tensions.