The Anambra State Government has arraigned eight pastors before the State High Court over allegations of staging fake miracles and using paid individuals to pose as beneficiaries of supernatural healings and deliverance services.
The clerics were brought before the court by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, on charges bordering on alleged fraudulent religious practices, obtaining money by false pretence, and using places of worship to commit crimes.
Following their arraignment, the court ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody pending further proceedings and adjourned the matter to June 15, 2026, for hearing and consideration of their bail applications.
According to court documents, the defendants are facing charges under Sections 18(3) and 19(1) of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, over the alleged use of fake supernatural powers and the use of religious centres for unlawful activities. They were also charged under Section 3(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, for allegedly obtaining financial benefits through false pretences.
The state government alleged that the accused pastors hired individuals to act as worshippers receiving miraculous healings, deliverance, and other supernatural interventions during church programmes.
Some of the clerics were also charged alongside agents allegedly recruited to source and coordinate individuals used in the purported miracle performances.
Prosecutors told the court that the alleged scheme was designed to convince members of the public to make donations and financial contributions based on claims of miraculous manifestations.
Speaking after the arraignment, Attorney General Nweke said the state had assembled what he described as substantial evidence to support the case, including recorded statements allegedly made by the defendants.
He stated that video-recorded confessional statements form part of the prosecution’s evidence and would be relied upon during trial.
Nweke described the prosecution as part of the state government’s broader campaign against the exploitation of vulnerable residents through deceptive religious and traditional practices.
The pastors named in the charges are Ndubisi Nnachukwu of Omega Dominion Ministry, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu of Cloud of Glory Prophetic Ministry, Bishop Emeka Nwamkpa of Chapel of Faith Ministry, Peter Chukwu of Messiah Adoration Ministry, Chinedu Egwuonwu of Citadel of Grace Ministry, Ebele Nnachukwu of Jehovah the Mighty Than All Ministry, Miracle Iruoma of City of Power Ministry, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama of Land of Testimony Adoration Ministry.
The case is expected to test the implementation of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, as authorities intensify efforts to tackle alleged fraudulent activities carried out under the guise of religious and traditional practices.
