🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Anambra government seeks public evidence against arrested 'fake' pastors
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Anambra State Government has urged residents to provide credible information and evidence against "fake" pastors and churches to assist ongoing investigations and prosecutions. This follows the arrest of several pastors accused of violating the state’s Homeland Security Law, including alleged involvement in criminality, extortion, fraud, and deception. Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr. Law Mefor, stated that this initiative is part of the government's efforts to combat criminality and regulate religious and traditional practices. The government is extending its "War against fake native doctors" to include individuals masquerading as religious leaders while engaging in criminal activities. Residents with information on pastors, churches, or individuals involved in criminality, extortion, fraud, or acts endangering lives or misleading people are encouraged to come forward, with assurances of confidentiality. The state government previously arraigned about eight pastors on June 5 before a High Court in Awka for alleged violations of the Homeland Security Law, 2025, and for allegedly staging fake miracles. They are currently remanded at the Amawbia Correctional Centre, with their case adjourned to June 15, 2026. Additionally, Pastor Harrison Charles, General Overseer of Day Spring Assembly, Awada, Onitsha, was arrested on Friday for alleged violations of the same law, including sexual misconduct, marrying underage girls, and forcefully taking church me
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Ejimofor Opara, Special Adviser on Media to Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has criticized Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, for his comments on the case of Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Obi had reiterated his call for Kanu’s release during an interaction in Washington, D.C., stating there was no justification for his continued detention. Opara described Obi's comments as a "major slap" on the Nigerian judiciary and an insult to the judiciary of Finland, where Simon Ekpa, described as Kanu’s protégé, was tried, found guilty, and is serving a six-year jail term for terrorism-related offenses. Opara insisted Obi’s comments were careless, baseless, and self-serving, aimed at undermining the judiciary from which Obi himself had benefited in past legal battles. He highlighted that Kanu is currently serving a life imprisonment sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025, for incitement, membership of a proscribed organization, and alleged involvement in separatist activities. Kanu has appealed the judgment.
Must ReadFormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Federal Government of engaging in a "racket dressed up as reform" by repeatedly borrowing to settle power sector debts without accounting for previously raised funds. Through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the government's plan to raise a N4tn bond for electricity sector obligations as a "scandalous display of fiscal recklessness, institutional dishonesty, and brazen contempt for public accountability." He questioned the whereabouts of prior funds, citing instances like a N590bn power sector bond in December 2025, another N501bn bond, and President Tinubu's approval of a N3.3tn plan in April 2026 to clear power sector debts. Atiku highlighted that the Association of Power Generation Companies has publicly stated that these debts remain largely unpaid, with its Chief Executive Officer, Joy Ogaji, noting that a N501bn bond raised for debt settlement has not resulted in payments to creditors. He emphasized that accountability, not repeated announcements, should define government performance and called for a comprehensive breakdown of all funds raised under various debt-settlement arrangements, including how much was raised, where funds were domiciled, who received payment, and why fresh borrowing is necessary. Atiku warned against further borrowing without transparency, stating that "no serious nation can continue to borrow its way into darkness."
The Oyo State Police Command has refuted a viral video alleging the movement of approximately 300 Lakurawa terrorists into the state, labeling it as false and misleading. DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the state Police Public Relations Officer, issued a statement on Sunday indicating that a comprehensive forensic analysis and intelligence-based verification found the claims in the video to be untrue. The police stated that a forensic review revealed the voice overlay in the video, attributed to one Alhaji Muftau from Kontagora, matched earlier debunked false information. Intelligence gathered from operatives in border communities and joint verification with neighboring police formations also found no evidence to support the claim. Investigations further established that the video was not recorded in Nigeria and is not a recent event. The Command warned against spreading misinformation that could undermine public peace and security, stating that offenders would face legal consequences. The statement reaffirmed the Command's commitment to maintaining peace and security under Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, and advised the public to rely on verified official channels for security information.