By Muhammad Sulaiman
An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has remanded eight pastors in a correctional facility over allegations of staging fake miracles with the aid of hired actors.
The clerics were arraigned on Friday by the Anambra State Government on multiple charges bordering on spiritual deception and financial exploitation. The prosecution, led by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), brought the defendants before the court under the Anambra Homeland Security Law, 2025.
According to the charges, the pastors allegedly wielded fake supernatural powers, used places of worship to commit crimes, and obtained money and other benefits from members of the public under false pretences.
The prosecution told the court that the defendants operated a coordinated scheme involving external agents who allegedly recruited vulnerable individuals and paid them to pose as disabled or afflicted persons during church services. The individuals were said to have acted out sudden miraculous healings and spiritual deliverances before congregations.
State authorities further alleged that the staged events were recorded, packaged and circulated on social media platforms to attract followers, increase church membership and encourage donations from worshippers.
As part of its evidence, the prosecution submitted video-recorded confessions allegedly made by the accused, contained on a flash drive tendered before the court.
While some of the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, the presiding judge ordered that all eight pastors be remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
The case was adjourned until June 15, 2026, for formal hearing and consideration of bail applications. State authorities said the prosecution forms part of an ongoing crackdown on individuals accused of using religion or traditional practices to defraud and exploit members of the public.