Eight pastors have been remanded in a correctional facility in Anambra State after appearing before a high court on charges linked to alleged fake miracles and fraud, in the latest phase of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s controversial campaign against what authorities describe as exploitative religious and spiritual practices.
The defendants were arraigned before a high court in Awka on Friday over alleged violations of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, including claims that they employed paid actors to pose as beneficiaries of miraculous healings and deliverance sessions.
Those charged are Pastors Ndubisi Nnachukwu of Omega Dominion Ministry, Ekeleme Ugochukwu of Cloud of Glory Prophetic Ministry, Emeka Nwamkpa of Chapel of Faith Ministry, Peter Chukwu of Messiah Adoration Ministry, Chinedu Egwuonwu of Citadel of Grace Ministry, Ebele Nnachukwu of Jehovah the Mighty Than All Ministry, Miracle Iruoma of City of Power Ministry and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama of Land of Testimony Adoration Ministry.
The pastors were brought to court by operatives of Agunechemba, the state-backed security outfit, led by the governor’s special adviser on security, Ken Emeakayi.
According to the charge sheets, prosecutors accused the defendants of claiming supernatural powers they did not possess, using places of worship to facilitate criminal activity and obtaining money from members of the public through deception.
The charges were filed under provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, as well as the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act.
Some of the pastors, who pleaded not guilty to the allegations, appeared alongside individuals prosecutors described as agents allegedly recruited to source people willing to act as recipients of miraculous healings or spiritual interventions in exchange for payment.
The state alleges that worshippers were persuaded to make financial contributions on the strength of these staged testimonies and purported miracles.
Court documents filed by the prosecution include what were described as video-recorded confessions from the accused, with a flash drive tendered as part of the evidence package. Prosecutors contend that the recordings show the defendants admitting to the offences.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Jude Obiorah ordered that the accused be remanded pending further proceedings and adjourned the case until 15 June for hearing of bail applications and continuation of the trial.
Speaking after the proceedings, the state attorney general and commissioner for justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, said the prosecution intended to rely heavily on the confessional statements and other evidence already filed before the court.
Nweke said the case formed part of a broader effort by the Soludo administration to curb practices that allegedly exploit vulnerable people through fabricated spiritual claims.
“The charges are part of the efforts of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to nip in the bud the practice of exploiting vulnerable members of the public through deception of staged miracles,” he said.
The prosecution comes amid an ongoing campaign by the Anambra government targeting individuals it identifies as fake pastors, native doctors and spiritualists accused of promoting criminality, fraud and superstition for financial gain.
The crackdown has generated both support and criticism, with supporters arguing that it protects vulnerable citizens from exploitation, while critics have raised concerns about the potential implications for religious freedom and due process.
