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 deliverances.
The clerics were brought before the court by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, on charges bordering on alleged fraudulent religious practices, obtaining by false pretence and the use of places of worship for the commission of crimes.
Following their arraignment, the court ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody pending further proceedings and adjourned the matter until June 15, 2026, for hearing and consideration of their bail applications.
According to court documents, the pastors are facing charges under Sections 18(3) and 19(1) of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, relating to 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 clerics engaged individuals who were paid to act as worshippers receiving miraculous healings, deliverance and other supernatural interventions during church programmes.
Some of the defendants were also charged alongside agents allegedly recruited to source and coordinate the individuals used in the purported miracle performances.
Prosecutors told the court that the alleged activities were designed to convince members of the public to make financial donations and other contributions based on claims of miraculous manifestations.
Speaking after the arraignment, Nweke said the state had assembled substantial evidence to support the charges, including recorded statements allegedly made by the defendants.
“The proof of evidence filed along with the charge listed video recorded confessions of the pastors as part of the evidence, with the flash drive attached, which indicates that the eight pastors confessed to the crime,” he said.
The Attorney General added that the prosecution intends to rely on the materials during trial.
He described the case as part of the state government’s broader effort to curb the exploitation of vulnerable residents through deceptive practices.
According to him, the prosecution aligns with ongoing measures by the state to tackle fraudulent activities carried out under the guise of religious or traditional practices.
“He stated that the charge is part of the efforts of the State Government to nip in the bud the practice of exploiting vulnerable members of the public by deception through the stage-managing of miracles, just like the State is doing against bad native doctors,” the statement said.
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
- 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 the government intensifies efforts to combat alleged fraudulent religious and traditional practices across the state.
