Anambra arraigns Abia ex-guber aspirant, seven others over religious fraud

The Anambra State Government has arraigned a former governorship aspirant in Abia State, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, alongside seven others for alleged violations of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025.

Nwankpa, founder of Chapel of Faith Ministry in Onitsha, was brought before the State High Court in Awka on Friday together with seven self-acclaimed pastors as part of the state’s ongoing campaign against alleged religious fraud and criminal activities linked to spiritual practices.

The defendants are facing prosecution by the state government under the Homeland Security Law, 2025, a legislation enacted to address kidnapping, cultism, ritual-related crimes and other security threats.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), is leading the prosecution.

The other defendants are Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama.

According to the state government, the prosecution forms part of efforts to curb the activities of individuals allegedly exploiting religion and spirituality to defraud members of the public and support criminal networks.

In a statement shared by Anambra State News Media on X, the government said the administration of Governor Charles Soludo had intensified its crackdown on alleged fake pastors, native doctors and spiritualists accused of using religion as a cover for unlawful activities.

The statement noted that the Homeland Security Law established the state-backed security outfit, Agunechemba, to work alongside conventional security agencies in combating violent crimes and criminal facilitation.

Under the law, the outfit is empowered to investigate, arrest and prosecute persons suspected of providing spiritual or ritual support for criminal activities. The legislation also provides for the prosecution of individuals accused of knowingly aiding or enabling crimes within their communities.

The law further permits investigations into property owners whose premises are allegedly used for criminal activities, including ritual practices linked to fraud or kidnapping. Such properties may be subject to forfeiture following due legal process.

Community leaders and operators of religious and spiritual centres are also required to report suspicious activities and ensure their facilities are not used for unlawful purposes.

The state government maintained that enforcement of the law is aimed at criminal elements and not at any particular religion ort faith group.