The Anambra State Government has called on residents to provide information about fake pastors and traditionalists who hide behind religion to engage in criminal activities. Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, made the announcement in a statement on Sunday.
Government Appeal for Information
“The government is calling on Ndi Anambra and all residents of the state with credible information on pastors, churches, or so-called ‘men of God’ involved in criminality, extortion, fraud, deception, or any act that endangers lives and the peace of our communities or misleads the people in the state to please speak up,” Mr. Mefor said.
The commissioner explained that the appeal follows the government’s extension of its ongoing “war against fake native doctors” to fake pastors and individuals “masquerading as genuine men and women of God” while engaging in criminal practices.
Part of Broader Efforts
“This is part of the efforts of the ‘solution government’ to rid the state of all forms of criminality and sanitise both traditional worship and religious practices in order to restore sanity, law and order in the state,” he stated. He stressed that the fight against fake pastors and traditionalists would protect the “true freedom of traditional worship and religious practice” in Anambra.
“Let us work together to take back our state from criminals hiding under religion, culture and tradition,” Mr. Mefor added. He provided a mobile phone number for residents to contact the government with any useful information about fake pastors and traditionalists involved in criminality.
Background of the Crackdown
Governor Soludo’s administration last year launched a crackdown on suspected fake pastors who exploit residents under the pretext of religion. A similar crackdown targeted native doctors and spiritualists who encourage criminality by providing charms to armed robbers, kidnappers, and terrorists.
Since then, one native doctor, Chukwudozie Nwangwu, has been convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for ritual practices, robbery, conspiracy, preparing charms for criminals, and aiding internet fraudsters. Another native doctor, Johnpaul Ezenagu, is currently facing trial for similar offenses.
Earlier this month, eight suspected fake pastors were arraigned before a state high court in Awka for allegedly violating the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025. The pastors were subsequently remanded in prison by the court.
Legal Framework
The clampdown on fake pastors and traditionalists began in January 2025 when Governor Soludo signed the Anambra State Homeland Security Bill 2025 into law. The legislation created the Agunechemba vigilante group, banned the making of charms for criminal purposes, and prohibited the performance of sacrifices along roads in the state. It targets native doctors who prepare charms for criminals terrorizing residents of the South-eastern state.
The law also outlaws the practice of Oke-Ite and Ezenwanyi for the purpose of wealth accumulation through supernatural means. Conviction carries a penalty of six years imprisonment, a fine of N20 million, or both.
Residents are encouraged to support the government’s efforts by reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities.
