Eight pastors arrested in Onitsha, Awka and other parts of Anambra State were on Thursday arraigned before the Anambra State High Court at the state judiciary complex in Awka over alleged violations of the state’s 2025 Homeland Security Law.
Though journalists were restricted from covering the court session, a government source and media adviser to the Anambra State Governor, Mr. Ejimofor Opara, said the pastors, whom he described as fake pastors, were arraigned for violating provisions of the law.
The Homeland Security Law, which came into effect in February 2025, prohibits certain religious practices considered harmful to the public, particularly those linked to wealth creation schemes.
Last year, some native doctors accused of promoting get-rich-quick practices were also arrested under the law. While some have been prosecuted and jailed, others are still standing 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 against the suspects.
Details of the specific charges against them were not made available to journalists by the Anambra State Government as of the time of filing this report.
David-Chyddy Eleke
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