Anambra asks residents for evidence against arrested ‘fake’ pastors

The Anambra State Government has called on residents to provide useful information and credible evidence against arrested “fake” pastors and churches to aid ongoing investigations and prosecutions.

The call follows the arrest of several pastors across the state accused of violating the state’s Homeland Security Law, including alleged involvement in criminality, extortion, fraud, deception, and other acts said to endanger lives.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr Law Mefor.

Mefor said the measure was part of the government’s efforts to rid the state of criminality and sanitise religious and traditional practices to restore law and order.

The statement read, “The Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has extended the ‘War against fake native doctors’ to fake pastors and other individuals masquerading as men and women of God while engaging in criminal practices. This is part of the efforts of the ‘Solution Government’ to rid the state of all forms of criminality and sanitise both traditional worship and religious practices in order to restore sanity, law and order in the state.

“To this end, the government is calling on Ndị Anambra and all residents of the state with credible information on pastors, churches, or so-called ‘men of God’ involved in criminality, extortion, fraud, deception, or any act that endangers lives, peace of communities, or misleads the people to speak up.

“All information will be treated with absolute confidentiality. Despite negative claims during campaigns against efforts to remove criminals pretending to be traditional healers and religious leaders, this effort will protect the true freedom of traditional worship and religious practice.

“Let us work together to take back our state from criminals hiding under religion, culture and tradition. Call +2348034182108 or 5111 if you have any useful information.”

Recall that on June 5, the state government arraigned about eight pastors before a High Court sitting in Awka, presided over by Justice Jude Obiorah, over alleged violations of the state’s Homeland Security Law, 2025, and for allegedly hiring paid actors to stage fake miracles.

They are currently being remanded at the Amawbia Correctional Centre following their arraignment, while the matter was adjourned to June 15, 2026, for hearing and consideration of bail applications.

Also, on Friday, operatives of Agunechemba arrested another pastor, the General Overseer of Day Spring Assembly, Awada, Onitsha, Pastor Harrison Charles, over alleged violations of the same law, including sexual misconduct, marrying underage girls, and forcefully taking church members’ wives.

Following the arrests and arraignment, the state government urged residents with evidence against the suspects to come forward and speak up, assuring that all information would be treated with strict confidentiality. (Punch)