The clerics were brought before a court at the state judiciary complex in Awka on Friday.
According to Ejimofor Opara, the pastors were prosecuted under the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025, which came into effect in February 2025.
Opara described the defendants as “fake pastors” and alleged that their activities contravened provisions of the law, particularly those targeting practices considered harmful to public welfare and deceptive wealth-creation claims.
The pastors arraigned are:
The Homeland Security Law was introduced by the Anambra State Government as part of efforts to curb criminal activities, fraudulent spiritual practices and schemes promoting unrealistic wealth acquisition.
The legislation has previously been used against self-acclaimed native doctors and spiritual practitioners accused of promoting get-rich-quick rituals and other activities deemed detrimental to public order.
Last year, several native doctors were arrested under the law. While some have already been convicted and sentenced, others remain on trial.
The prosecution in the current case is being led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific charges against each defendant, but the case is expected to test the scope and application of the Homeland Security Law, which has generated debate among legal experts, religious groups and civil society organisations since its enactment.
The court is expected to continue proceedings at a later date as the prosecution presents its case against the accused clerics.