Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has followed through on his threat to prosecute fraudulent religious leaders by arraigning eight popular pastors in the state. The pastors, most of whom operate in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra, were brought before a State High Court in Awka. The prosecution is being led by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN.
Details of the Arraigned Pastors
The eight individuals arraigned are Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama. They are accused of engaging in deceptive religious practices and other unlawful activities.
Legal Framework: Anambra State Homeland Security Law
In February 2025, the Anambra State House of Assembly passed the Anambra State Homeland Security Agency Bill, which established the state-controlled security outfit called Udogachi, operating under the name Agunechemba. This law prohibits certain forms of worship and religious practices deemed unwholesome and deceitful, particularly those related to wealth acquisition.
The Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025 (Agunechemba Law) sets specific rules for religious leaders and institutions concerning their involvement in crime and supernatural activities. Section 19 of the law criminalizes the use of religious places for unlawful activities and empowers the Governor to shut down any religious establishment involved in crime.
Penalties and Enforcement
According to Section 19(1), any person who uses a religious place to commit or aid the commission of a crime is liable to imprisonment for six years, a fine of ₦20 million, or both. Section 19(2) allows for the sealing of religious premises suspected of being used for criminal activities, pending investigation, by order of the Governor.
Section 19(3) provides for prosecution: if a prima facie case is established after investigation, any person found culpable shall be charged to court. Under Section 19(4), any sealed property remains sealed until the determination of the charge or unless otherwise ordered by the court.
Governor's Stance on Religious Fraud
Following the arrest and prosecution of traditional medicine practitioners, Governor Soludo has now turned his attention to religious practitioners who, he believes, encourage the get-rich-quick mentality among citizens, particularly youths and women seeking miracles. The arraignment of these eight pastors marks a significant step in enforcing the new law and curbing fraudulent religious activities in the state.
