The Anambra State Government has arraigned eight pastors before a State High Court in Awka for allegedly breaching provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
The development signals an expansion of Governor Charles Soludo's ongoing campaign against individuals and groups accused of promoting criminal activities under the guise of spiritual practices.
The pastors were brought to court on Friday under the watch of operatives of the Agunechemba security outfit. Footage shared online showed the defendants being escorted into the court complex by members of the vigilante group.
Leading the security team was the Commander of Agunechemba and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Ken Emeakayi.
The prosecution is being handled by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN).
The latest court action follows the state government's earlier crackdown on native doctors and other spiritual practitioners alleged to have provided charms and ritual services to kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal groups.
Although authorities have yet to disclose the full details of the charges against the pastors, government officials insist the enforcement of the Homeland Security Law is intended to tackle activities that threaten public safety and fuel insecurity in the state.
The arraignment underscores the Soludo administration's determination to extend its security campaign beyond traditional spiritual practitioners to individuals operating within religious circles who are suspected of violating the law.
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