By Peace Udugba
The Anambra State Government has arraigned eight self-styled pastors over allegations of orchestrating staged or “arranged” miracles, in what authorities describe as part of a broader crackdown on religious fraud in the state.
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has been credited with backing the enforcement action, which officials say marks one of the most significant moves yet against alleged spiritual deception in Nigeria.
The prosecution, led by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, said the defendants were involved in organising fake miracle sessions allegedly designed to deceive worshippers and attract financial gains. According to the government, some of the staged incidents reportedly involved hired individuals who acted as beneficiaries of healing or deliverance for filming and online broadcast purposes.
The eight accused clerics 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, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama of Land of Testimony Adoration Ministry.
They were arraigned before the Anambra State High Court and subsequently remanded in correctional custody. The court adjourned the matter to June 15, 2026, for hearing of bail applications and further proceedings.
The charges were filed under Sections 18(3) and 19(1) of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, which address the use of religious premises for unlawful activities and public deception, as well as Section 3(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act.
The Attorney General said the state relied on video recordings and other digital evidence, including a flash drive allegedly containing statements from some of the defendants, which have been submitted as part of the prosecution’s case.
He further alleged that some of the defendants worked with agents who recruited individuals to stage healing or deliverance scenarios, which were then shared on social media platforms to attract followers and donations.
“This action is aimed at protecting citizens from exploitation by individuals who misuse religious platforms for financial gain,” Nweke said.
The government noted that the case forms part of a wider effort to address fraudulent practices across both religious and traditional spiritual institutions in the state.
Legal analysts say the case could set a precedent in how Nigerian authorities handle allegations of religiously framed financial fraud, particularly those amplified through digital media.
