Investigatorsnews

- Talibabaa >Abuja<

The recent rumour making the rounds within the media space against the person of the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anglican Communion and Archbishop of the Province on the Niger, His Grace, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, has been described as a ruse, lies from the pit of hell and handy work of media rascals. 

This was disclosed through a meticulously scripted write-up by Emeka Odogwu Emeka PhD, as attached ...END

Archbishop Ibezim and the Unfriendly Friends

- By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD

His Grace, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, Bishop of Awka and Archbishop of the Province on the Niger, has once again shown what it means to be a true vessel of honour. In the face of coordinated blackmail and malicious lies, he remained calm, discerning, and unshaken. While others sought to drag him into the mud, he chose dignity over distraction, service over scandal.

As one who has walked the corridors of journalism for decades, I know the difference between truth-telling and cyber mercenary work. I have seen money in millions, yet never sold out my pen. Professional journalism defends society; android phone “media aides” and “online warriors” only serve their stomachs. Sadly, such unfriendly friends now masquerade as defenders of the Church while plotting its ridicule.

Malicious Lies Against a Spiritual Leader

Recently, baseless stories circulated online alleging that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed Awka to arrest Archbishop Ibezim over a land scam, and that he had “gone into hiding.” These falsehoods escalated into videos and posts declaring that he had been arrested and carried away.

Let it be stated clearly: this is one of the most wicked fabrications ever designed against a man of God. On the very day these lies spread, Archbishop Ibezim was at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, presiding over meetings with the Children’s Ministry and discharging his arch-episcopal duties  visible to all. He was never on the run, never in hiding.

The Merchants of Falsehood 

These lies did not appear by accident. They were manufactured and spread by certain platforms and individuals: including 247ureports, The Pond News, Akelicious Media, Ada Obidigbo, Cyberfeeds News, Anambra People Magazine, Nairaland Forum, and their collaborators. Julius Oweh of The Pond News, Onyi of Anambra People Magazine, and the faceless Facebook operator behind Nwanyi Orumba TV all helped amplify what they knew to be false. There were others. 

This is not gossip; it is deliberate, criminal defamation, fuelled by politics and funded by unseen sponsors. Some within the Church itself, envious of the Archbishop’s influence, gave room for these vipers to thrive. They smile in his presence, yet plot behind keyboards. These are not friends of the Church but enemies of truth.

 When Cyber Abuse Becomes Criminal

The Nigerian Criminal Code Act, Section 375, is clear: publishing defamatory material is a crime punishable by imprisonment. If done knowingly and maliciously, the sentence is harsher; if linked to extortion, punishment extends to seven years.

Even more specific is the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, which criminalises false or misleading publications online. Spreading fake news is not “free speech” it is a jailable offence. Those responsible must take note: their actions are not just irresponsible; they are illegal.

Journalism or Cyber Banditry?

What we have seen is not journalism. True journalism verifies, investigates, and tells the truth. What these so-called “media platforms” did is cyber banditry, reckless blackmail dressed up as news. They are not journalists but mercenaries of chaos, hired to malign the Church and its leaders.

An Attack on the Church, Not Just a Man 

Archbishop Ibezim is not merely an individual; he is a spiritual father, a moral voice, and a symbol of unity. To smear him is to attack the Church itself. It is to ridicule the faith of millions who look up to him for guidance.

The intention of his accusers is obvious: weaponise lies, weaken his authority, and sow discord in the Church. But they will fail, for truth, no matter how long it takes, always outlives falsehood.

Honour at the Grassroots 

While faceless defamers wasted their energy online, Archbishop Ibezim continued his ministry, attracting honour and respect. At his community Mbaukwu, his younger brother, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, was recently conferred with the chieftaincy title of Ife Mbaukwu. The Archbishop himself led the solemn prayers at the event, surrounded by cultural displays, dignitaries, and community leaders. This single moment proved that, despite online lies, Archbishop Ibezim remains revered both in the Church and at the grassroots.

Enough Is Enough

The time has come to draw a line. These defamers must repent, retract their lies, and apologise, or face the consequences of the law. The Anglican Communion will not fold its arms while its leader is maligned. Free speech does not cover criminal defamation.

Archbishop Ibezim stands tall, not in hiding, not under arrest, not disgraced, but faithfully serving God’s people. His life remains one of service, humility, and leadership. The lies told against him are vile and criminal. Those who spread them have crossed the red line.

Enough is enough. The Church has endured, but its patience must not be mistaken for weakness. The time of reckoning is here.

Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD is the publicist of the diocese of Awka and Province of the Niger, Anglican Communion. 

08060750240 

odogwuemekaodogwu@gmail.com