The Anambra State Government has intensified its crackdown on alleged spiritual fraudsters, arraigning eight pastors before a State High Court in Awka over alleged violations of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
The move comes months after Governor Charles Soludo’s administration launched a controversial campaign against native doctors and spiritualists accused of aiding criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes through the provision of charms and ritual services.
The eight pastors, described by authorities as suspected fake clerics, were brought before the court on Friday under heavy security.
A video circulating online showed operatives of the Agunechemba vigilante group escorting the defendants into the court premises.
The security operation was led by the Commander of Agunechemba and Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Security, Ken Emeakayi.
The state government’s case is being prosecuted by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN).
While details of the charges were not immediately made public, the arraignment marks the latest phase of the state’s efforts to curb activities it considers capable of encouraging criminality and undermining public safety.
The Soludo administration has repeatedly maintained that its security reforms are aimed at dismantling networks that provide spiritual backing for criminal elements operating within and outside the state.