Eight Nigerian Clergymen Arraigned Over Alleged Breach Of State Law

The Anambra State Government has commenced legal proceedings against eight clerics accused of violating the state’s Homeland Security Law, enacted in 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to combat practices deemed harmful to public welfare.

According to official information released by the state government, the defendants were arraigned on Friday at the State Judiciary Complex in Awka, the state capital, following their arrest in Onitsha, Awka, and other locations across Anambra.

The government’s Media Adviser, Ejimofor Opara, stated that the suspects were apprehended for activities allegedly contravening provisions of the Homeland Security Law, which took effect in February 2025. He described the accused as individuals involved in practices prohibited under the legislation.

Authorities explained that the law targets certain religious and spiritual activities considered detrimental to society, particularly those linked to promises of instant wealth and other claims capable of misleading members of the public.

The latest prosecution is said to be part of a broader campaign by the state government to curb practices believed to exploit vulnerable residents and encourage unrealistic expectations of sudden financial success under the guise of religious or spiritual intervention.

The move follows earlier crackdowns on native doctors accused of promoting similar get-rich-quick schemes. While some of those arrested in previous operations have already been convicted and imprisoned, others remain before the courts.

The defendants were identified as Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama.

The prosecution is being led by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN).

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Homeland Security Law, insisting that the legislation is designed to safeguard public order, security, and moral standards. Officials maintained that enforcement efforts would continue against activities considered capable of deceiving the public, encouraging criminal conduct, or promoting false narratives surrounding wealth creation.