Court Remands Eight Pastors Over Alleged Use of Hired Actors to Stage Miracles
Court Remands Eight Pastors Over Alleged Use of Hired Actors to Stage Miracles
Eight pastors have been remanded in a correctional facility after being arraigned by the Anambra State Government over allegations that they staged miracles with the help of hired actors to deceive members of the public.
The clerics were brought before a High Court in Awka, the Anambra State capital, on charges bordering on allegedly claiming fake supernatural powers, using places of worship for criminal activities, and obtaining money under false pretences.
The prosecution, led by the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), accused the defendants of engaging in fraudulent religious practices designed to exploit worshippers.
Those arraigned are Ndubisi Nnachukwu of Omega Dominion Ministry, Ekeleme Ugochukwu of Cloud of Glory Prophetic Ministry, 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 charges were filed under Sections 18(3) and 19(1) of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, as well as Section 3(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006.
According to the prosecution, some of the pastors allegedly collaborated with agents who recruited and paid individuals to pose as worshippers receiving miraculous healings and deliverance during church programmes. The state further alleged that the staged miracles were used to attract donations and other financial benefits from members of the public.
While some of the defendants pleaded not guilty, the court ordered that all eight be remanded pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.
The prosecution also informed the court that its evidence includes video-recorded confessional statements allegedly made by the defendants, which have been stored on a flash drive and tendered as part of the case.
Speaking after the proceedings, Nweke said the state government would rely on the confessional statements and other evidence during trial. He described the prosecution as part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s efforts to curb fraudulent activities carried out under the guise of religious practice.
According to him, the government is determined to stop the exploitation of vulnerable residents through allegedly staged miracles and deceptive religious claims, adding that the move aligns with the state’s ongoing crackdown on fraudulent native doctors and other forms of criminality.
The matter was adjourned until June 15 for further hearing.
The arraignment follows Governor Soludo’s recent disclosure that several individuals described as “fake pastors” had been arrested as part of a wider campaign against religious exploitation and social vices in Anambra State.
Speaking at an event in Awka in May, the governor said some suspects were already in custody and assisting investigators with confessional statements. He maintained that the crackdown was aimed at protecting residents from deception and promoting integrity, accountability and hard work across the state.
