The Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka, the state capital, has remanded the eight “self-styled” pastors who were arraigned on Friday, June 5, over alleged staged or “arrangee” miracles in the state.
The Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration said the prosecution of the alleged fake clerics was part of the government’s coordinated crackdown on religious fraud and public deception.
The detained clerics include Ndubisi Nnachukwu of Omega Dominion Ministry, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu of Cloud of Glory Prophetic Ministry, Bishop 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.
According to the charges pressed against them, the accused clerics allegedly engaged individuals to pose as beneficiaries of miraculous healing in exchange for payment, with the aim of deceiving congregants and boosting financial donations through viral social media broadcasts.
The legal action was spearheaded by the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, who described the prosecution as part of a broader effort to clamp down on what he called organised spiritual exploitation.
Osagie Christian Aburime, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, said the accused clerics were remanded in correctional custody after their arraignment, with proceedings adjourned to June 15, 2026, for hearing of bail applications and continuation of their trial.
They were charged under Sections 18(3) and 19(1) of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, which criminalise the use of worship centres for fraudulent and deceptive practices, as well as Section 3(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act (LFN 2006), popularly known as the 419 law.
Legal observers say the combination of these statutes signals an aggressive prosecution strategy targeting what authorities describe as “spiritual charlatanism” disguised as religious ministry.
The prosecution is said to be based on alleged video-recorded confessions said to have been obtained from the accused pastors.
The Attorney General, Nweke, confirmed that digital evidence, including a flash drive containing statements, have been filed before the court.
According to the state government, some of the defendants also face allegations of working with agents who recruited individuals to stage fake healing and deliverance testimonies, often recorded for online circulation to attract followers and donations.
“This is not just about stopping fraud,” the Attorney General was quoted as saying. “It is about protecting vulnerable citizens from being exploited by those who weaponise faith for profit.
“Just as we prosecute native doctors peddling false, magical solutions, so too shall we hold accountable those staging fake miracles.”
The government further alleged that the accused clerics extorted followers under the guise of divine healing and deliverance, using orchestrated performances to manipulate public belief and expand their congregations.
The prosecution of the eight clerics marks the latest phase in the enforcement of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, a controversial legislation introduced by the Soludo administration as part of efforts to tackle insecurity, ritual-related crimes, kidnapping, internet fraud, and other criminal activities in the state.
State authorities have repeatedly alleged that some self-styled pastors, native doctors, and spiritualists exploit religious and cultural platforms to enrich themselves while allegedly providing protection rituals and other forms of assistance to kidnappers, cultists, internet fraudsters, and other criminal networks.
The government maintains that the ongoing enforcement drive is aimed at dismantling such networks operating under the guise of religion and traditional spirituality, which it says contribute to criminal activities across communities.
Since the crackdown began, several individuals described as native doctors have been arrested, interrogated, and prosecuted, with some already convicted and imprisoned over allegations including obtaining money under false pretences and claims of supernatural powers allegedly used to shield criminals from arrest or prosecution.
The state authorities have also shut down several shrines and spiritual centres accused of facilitating ritual practices, fraud, and other criminal activities targeting unsuspecting members of the public.
The government’s actions have sparked mixed reactions, with supporters insisting the measures are necessary to curb insecurity and dismantle criminal support structures, while critics argue that they may infringe on religious freedom and the rights of traditional worshippers
Despite the criticism, the Soludo administration maintains that the campaign is not targeted at any religion or legitimate traditional practice, but rather at individuals who exploit faith, spirituality, and cultural beliefs to commit fraud, aid criminal activity, or mislead the public.
(SaharaReporters)