The Anambra State Government has arraigned eight individuals before the State High Court for allegedly posing as Pastors and violating provisions of the State Homeland Security Law 2025 as part of its ongoing crackdown on religion-related fraud and criminal activities.
The suspects, identified as Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama, were brought before the court on Friday.
The prosecution was led by the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), who is spearheading the government’s legal efforts against individuals accused of using religion and spirituality to deceive members of the public.
The arraignment comes amid Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s intensified campaign against fake religious operators allegedly linked to criminal activities across the state.
Although the specific charges against the defendants were not immediately available as of press time, the case marks another phase in the enforcement of the Homeland Security Law introduced by the Soludo administration to combat insecurity, ritual-related crimes, kidnapping, internet fraud and other criminal activities in the State.
State authorities have repeatedly claimed that some self-acclaimed pastors, native doctors and spiritualists exploit religious and cultural platforms for personal gain while allegedly providing spiritual services and protection rituals to kidnappers, cultists, internet fraudsters and other criminal elements.
The government maintained that the ongoing enforcement exercise was targeted at dismantling criminal networks operating under the guise of religion and traditional practices.
The prosecution of the eight suspects followed a series of arrests and investigations involving native doctors and traditional religion practitioners across various parts of the State.
Since the commencement of the crackdown, several individuals described as native doctors have been arrested, interrogated and prosecuted over allegations ranging from obtaining money under false pretences to making claims of possessing supernatural powers capable of shielding criminals from arrest and prosecution.
Authorities have also shut down a number of shrines and spiritual centres accused of facilitating ritual practices, fraud and other criminal activities.
The State government’s actions have continued to generate mixed reactions among residents and stakeholders.
While supporters argued that the measures were necessary to curb insecurity and dismantle structures that enable criminal activities, critics have raised concerns over possible infringements on religious freedom and the rights of traditional worshippers.
However, the Soludo administration insisted that the campaign was not directed at any religion or legitimate traditional practice but at individuals who allegedly exploit faith, spirituality and cultural beliefs to commit fraud, aid criminality and mislead unsuspecting members of the public.
