Anambra drags 8 ‘fake pastors’ to court

The Anambra State Government has arraigned eight clerics in a court in Awka, the state capital.

The men were arrested in Onitsha, Awka and other areas of the state.

Ejimofor Opara, Media Adviser to the Governor of Anambra State, said the clerics whom he described as “fake pastors”, violated the Internal Security Act of 2025.

The law, which came into effect in February 2025, disapproves of certain forms of religious practice deemed detrimental to the public, especially those related to wealth creation.

Last year, several indigenous doctors who promoted get-rich-quick practices were also arrested. Although some people have been tried and imprisoned, others are still undergoing trial.

The eight pastors charged on Friday are Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu and Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu.

The others are Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, led the prosecution of the suspects.