Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
AWKA, Nigeria – The Anambra State Government has arraigned Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, a senatorial aspirant for Abia Central District under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside seven other clerics before a High Court in Awka over allegations of performing fake miracles and violating the state’s Homeland Security Law, 2025. The arraignment, which took place on Friday, June 5, 2026, marks a significant escalation in Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s ongoing crackdown on what his administration describes as fraudulent religious practices and criminal activities disguised as spiritual operations.
Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, a former governorship aspirant in Abia State and founder of Chapel of Faith Ministry in Onitsha, was among eight self-acclaimed pastors brought before the Anambra State High Court in Awka by operatives of the state-backed security outfit, Agunechemba. The other defendants were identified as Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama. They were arraigned on charges of violating the state’s Homeland Security Law, 2025, which was enacted to combat kidnapping, cultism, ritual-related crimes, and other security threats. The prosecution is being led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN).
The state government alleges that the defendants engaged in activities capable of harming public welfare and misleading vulnerable residents through questionable spiritual claims. In a statement, the government said the suspects are being prosecuted under the Homeland Security Law, which was enacted to combat kidnapping, cultism, ritual-related crimes, and other security threats. The statement said the prosecution will deter individuals allegedly operating under the guise of religion and spirituality to exploit members of the public and support criminal networks.
Governor Soludo, speaking at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Awka, in May, said the government had intensified efforts against persons allegedly exploiting members of the public under the guise of religious activities. “The state has commenced an ongoing crackdown on fake pastors who exploit the vulnerable by preaching the gospel of salvation without the cross. As I speak now, several of them are already in custody and confessing,” he said. The governor accused certain religious operators of promoting instant wealth and miracle solutions while taking advantage of struggling citizens, and emphasized that tackling fraudulent religious activities is essential to protecting citizens and strengthening the moral foundation of society.
The Homeland Security Law, 2025, established the state-backed security outfit, Agunechemba, to complement conventional security agencies in tackling violent crimes and criminal facilitation. Under the law, Agunechemba is empowered to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals accused of providing spiritual or ritual cover for criminal activities. The law also imposes liability on collaborators who knowingly aid or enable crimes within their communities, and permits investigations into property owners whose premises are allegedly used for criminal activities, including ritual practices linked to fraud or kidnapping, with such properties subject to forfeiture following due legal process.
The arrest of Bishop Nwankpa has drawn sharp criticism and sparked widespread anger among his supporters and community members. Reacting to the development, the media aide to Bishop Nwankpa, Stanley Nduagu, condemned the actions of the Anambra State government, insisting that Nwankpa has never been involved in fake activities in over 25 years of his ministry. He noted that the allegations lack any credible evidence and called the arrest unjustified and politically motivated. People from Isiala Ngwa in Abia State have rallied behind the cleric, demanding his immediate release from custody. One resident, Ngozi Ahunanya, accused the Anambra government of waging war against Christians and traditional worshippers. The House of Assembly candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Arochukwu constituency, Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya, also condemned the arrest, describing it as unnecessary harassment of Christian clerics and worshipers. Critics argue the case is politically motivated, coming just weeks after the NDC’s primary elections and with Nwankpa’s senatorial ambitions now potentially jeopardized. The Anambra State Government, however, has maintained that the enforcement of the law is not directed at any religion or faith but at criminal elements hiding under religious cover.
The case has been adjourned for further hearing in the coming weeks. It is expected to test the implementation of the Anambra Homeland Security Law, 2025, and could set a precedent for future actions against individuals accused of using religion as a cover for criminal activities. For now, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa – Abia senator hopeful, Onitsha-based bishop, and former gubernatorial aspirant – stands in an Awka dock, his political future uncertain.
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