Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has initiated a significant crackdown on religious practitioners, making good on his threat to hold accountable those deemed wanting in their profession. This initiative has culminated in the recent arraignment of eight popular pastors in the State, primarily based in Onitsha, before a State High Court at the state judiciary complex in Awka. The prosecution is being led by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, against the suspects.

The eight pastors arraigned have been identified as Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama. Operatives of the Agunechemba vigilante group were notably present, guarding the defendants into the court building. However, the specific details of the charges against them were not publicly disclosed at the time of reporting.

This legal action stems from the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, which was passed by the State House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Soludo in early 2025. The law, also known as the Agunechemba Law, establishes a state-controlled security outfit called Udogachi, operating through Agunechemba. It explicitly prohibits certain forms of worship and religious practices considered unwholesome and deceitful, particularly those related to wealth acquisition and supernatural activities.

Specifically, Section 19 of the Agunechemba Law criminalizes the use of religious places for unlawful activities and grants the Governor the authority to shut down any religious establishment found to be involved in crime. Section 19(1) stipulates a penalty for religious leaders who commit or aid crimes, providing for imprisonment for a term of six years, an option of a fine of ₦20 million, or both. Furthermore, Section 19(2) allows for the sealing of religious places suspected of involvement in crime by order of the Governor, pending investigation. Section 19(3) and (4) detail the criminal prosecution process and the continuation of sealing until the determination of the charge, unless otherwise ordered by the Governor or the court.

The current crackdown on pastors follows Governor Soludo's earlier campaign against traditional medicine practitioners and spiritualists. The Governor had previously threatened to address religious practitioners whom he believed fueled the "get-rich-quick" prayer syndrome among citizens, especially youths and miracle-seeking women. The administration's broader effort targets individuals encouraging criminality by providing charms for armed robbers, kidnappers, and terrorists.

As part of this ongoing initiative, one native doctor, Chukwudozie Nwangwu, also known as ‘Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki,’ was convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for offenses including ritual practices, robbery, conspiracy, preparing charms for criminals, and aiding internet fraudsters. Another native doctor, Johnpaul Ezenagu, is currently facing trial for similar offenses. Beyond religious and spiritual leaders, the Homeland Security Law 2025 also banned the making of charms for the commission of crime, the performance of sacrifices along roads, and outlawed practices such as Oke-Ite and Ezenwanyi for accumulation through supernatural means, all aimed at curbing insecurity and exploitation within the state.