Eight pastors arrested in Onitsha, Awka, and other parts of Anambra State were on Thursday arraigned before the Anambra State High Court sitting at the state judiciary complex in Awka over alleged violations of the state’s 2025 Homeland Security Law.
Although journalists were restricted from covering the court proceedings, a government source and media adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Ejimofor Opara, confirmed that the suspects—whom he described as fake pastors—were arraigned for breaching provisions of the law.
The Anambra State Homeland Security Law, which came into effect in February 2025, prohibits certain religious practices deemed harmful to the public, particularly those linked to wealth creation and get-rich-quick schemes.
Last year, several native doctors accused of promoting similar practices were also arrested under the same law. While some have been prosecuted and jailed, others are still facing trial.
THISDAY correspondent at the state judiciary complex observed the suspects being escorted into the courtroom by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Homeland Security, Prince Ken Emeakayi.
It was gathered that the eight suspects include Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu, and Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu.
Others are Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), led the prosecution team against the suspects.
Details of the specific charges were not made available to journalists by the state government as of the time of filing this report.
ARISE News
