The Anambra State Government has arraigned eight individuals accused of posing as pastors in violation of the 2025 Homeland Security Law.
The prosecution, led by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, followed investigations into alleged violations of the Homeland Security Law.
The suspects, identified as Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama, were brought before a court in Awka on Friday.
According to the Media Adviser to Governor Charles Soludo, Ejimofor Opara, the suspects violated provisions of the 2025 Homeland Security Law as part of a wider crackdown on fraudulent religious figures and spiritualists accused of exploiting members of the public under false pretenses.
He said the action was necessary to curb rising cases of exploitation and criminal activities disguised as religious practice.
“The Soludo administration has launched a broad crackdown on fake pastors, fake native doctors, and spiritualists who operate under the guise of religion to exploit the public and empower criminal networks across the state,” the government stated.
The law, which came into effect in February 2025, prohibits certain forms of religious practices deemed harmful to public order and security, particularly those linked to fraudulent wealth creation schemes.