The Anambra State Government has arraigned eight pastors before the state judiciary complex in Awka, following their arrest across Onitsha, Awka, and other parts of the state.
Governor’s Media Adviser Ejimofor Opara described the clerics as “fake pastors” and said they were charged in connection with violations of the state’s 2025 Homeland Security Law, which came into force in February 2025.
The law prohibits certain religious practices considered harmful to the public, particularly those related to fraudulent wealth creation schemes.
The development follows a similar crackdown last year in which native doctors promoting get-rich-quick practices were arrested, with some already prosecuted and jailed while others remain on trial.
The eight pastors arraigned on Friday are Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama.
The prosecution is being led by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN.