The Anambra State Government has arraigned eight men before the court for presenting themselves as pastors without approval and for breaking the 2025 Homeland Security Law.
The accused are Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama.
They were taken into custody and later charged in court over claims that they operated as religious leaders while allegedly taking advantage of members of the public.
The state government said the move is part of a wider action targeting people who use religious titles or spiritual practices to deceive residents.
It also includes those linked to fake native doctor practices and other forms of spiritual manipulation. These practices reportedly support criminal activity in different communities.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, is leading the case. He is doing this on behalf of the government as the prosecution moves forward.
The administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has continued his campaign against fake spiritual operators. He said the goal is to reduce exploitation and improve safety across the state.
The government added that investigations are still ongoing and more actions may follow. This follows the enforcement of the new security law.
The Chukwudozie Nwangwu Case
The campaign climaxed with the takedown of traditionalist Chukwudozie Nwangwu. The traditionalist, aka Akwaokuko Tiwara Aki, was very influential in Anambra State before he ran into trouble with the law.
Other traditionalists are also in the government net as Soludo draws the lines between religious freedom and fraudulent practices. The Anambra government has previously banned the practice of water divination, also known as Eze Nwanyi in local parlance.
Despite the spread of Christianity in the Southeast. A small segment of the populace is still rooted in traditional ways. The Catholic Church recently celebrated over 140 years in the eastern region. Both religions coexist side by side as Nigeria’s constitution provides religious freedom for all its citizens.
