The Anambra State Government has called on residents across the state to provide credible information and verifiable evidence that can assist ongoing investigations and prosecutions of individuals allegedly operating as fake pastors and unregistered religious organisations.
The appeal comes amid an intensified enforcement campaign under the state’s security and public order framework, aimed at curbing religious fraud, deception, and other related criminal activities allegedly carried out under spiritual cover.
The administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo says the ongoing operations are part of broader efforts to protect citizens from exploitation and strengthen accountability within religious spaces.
According to state officials, the enforcement drive targets individuals accused of using religious platforms to mislead worshippers through false miracle claims, financial exploitation schemes, and other activities deemed harmful to public trust and safety.
Authorities maintain that the objective is not to restrict genuine religious practice, but to address cases where religion is allegedly being used as a front for fraud or criminal conduct.
The state government has now urged residents to actively support security agencies by reporting suspicious religious activities and submitting credible evidence that can stand legal scrutiny in court.
Officials emphasized that the success of ongoing investigations depends significantly on public cooperation, particularly in providing actionable intelligence such as documentation, eyewitness accounts, and other verifiable materials.
Security operatives, including the state-backed security outfit known as Agunechemba Security Outfit, are reportedly expanding operations across major urban centres such as Awka and Onitsha, where several arrests have already been made in connection with alleged fraudulent religious activities.
Sources within the state security architecture confirmed that multiple suspects have been arrested and are currently facing prosecution under applicable state laws governing public safety, fraud, and illegal religious operations.
The government says these cases are being pursued to set legal precedents that will deter similar activities and restore public confidence in religious institutions.
Authorities also noted that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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