Court remands 8 pastors over fake miracles, exploitation

The Anambra State Government has arraigned eight pastors before a High Court in Awka over alleged violations of the state’s Homeland Security Law 2025, including staging fake miracles with hired actors to deceive and exploit worshippers.

The defendants, identified as Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama, were brought before the court on Friday by operatives of Agunechemba, the state’s security outfit.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, led the prosecution.

According to the charges, the defendants allegedly claimed to possess supernatural powers, used places of worship to facilitate criminal activities in contravention of Sections 18(3) and 19(1) of the Homeland Security Law 2025, and obtained money by false pretence, contrary to the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.

Following their arraignment, the court ordered that the accused persons be remanded in a correctional facility pending the hearing of their bail applications.

The case was adjourned until June 15, 2026.

The prosecution forms part of the Anambra State Government’s ongoing crackdown on individuals accused of exploiting members of the public under the guise of religion.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo had recently disclosed that several suspected fake pastors were in custody and making confessional statements, while reiterating his administration’s commitment to eliminating deceptive religious practices in the state.

He had also challenged pastors who claim to perform miracles to demonstrate their healing powers in public hospitals, including Amaku General Hospital.

The state government maintains that such alleged practices amount to fraud and may be linked to wider criminal activities capable of undermining public safety and security.