Tension As Soludo Arraigns Eight Suspected Fake Pastors, Prophets

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Outrage greets, especially, the arraignment of Bishop Nwankpa who is, also, the Senatorial Candidate of the NDC for Abia Central

The Christian Community in Anambra State has been thrown into  deep shock  over what it described as Governor  Chukwuma Soludo’s orchestrated plot to clampdown on freedom of worship in the State.

The Anambra State Government which has been waging war against what it perceives as the unwholesome activities of fake native doctors, herbalists,and spiritualists, on Monday June 4, 2026, upped the ante with the arraignment of the General Overseer of the popular Onitsha-based Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly International Bishop Emeka Nwankpa and seven Ministers of God, over alleged fake pastoring activities.

The Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, leads the prosecution of Bishop Nwankpa ,and others ,in what has been perceived as part of Soludo’s administration crackdown on fake Pastors, Native Doctors and spiritualists who are alleged to be exploiting the public, as well as enabling criminal syndicates across the State.

The accused who were arraigned before the state High Court in Awka, the State capital, are alleged  by the authorities to have run foul of the provisions of the  Anambra State Home Security Law, 2025, targeting fake native doctors, traditionalist, and others engaged in money ritual related activities.

But the arraignment of Bishop Nwankpa, the  Accord Party Governorship candidate for Abia State during the 2023 general elections and, presently, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senatorial candidate for Abia Central District, has sparked widespread indignation and, condemnations across the State, with not a few impugning political motives into the development.

A statement on Friday, from Dr Stanley Nduaguibe, the Head of  his media team, while expressing shock and disbelief over the arrest and  prosecution of Bishop Nwankpa, described the development as a clear case of political persecution.

According to the team, the arrest and arraignment of Bishop Nwankpa over alleged fake activities, appear to suggest a politically motivated move to silence a minister of God who have been in the pastoring job for over two decades.

“Bishop Nwankpa is the General Overseer of Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly International ,a church with its headquarters in Onitsha, and branches in various parts of Nigeria.

“For over twenty-five years, he has been actively engaged in Christian Ministry, preaching the Gospel, mentoring believers, conducting charitable activities, and providing spiritual leadership to thousands of worshipers.

“The Church headquarters at 3-3 Junction, Onitsha, has become a well-known centre of worship with congregation numbering over one thousand members.

“Throughout the years, the ministry has remained visible and accessible to the public, carrying out its religious activities openly and consistently.

“Against this  background, many observers have expressed surprise at the decision to arrest and arraign Bishop Nwankpa on allegations that appear inconsistent with his long and publicly established record of pastoring service.

“Ouestions naturally arise as to how a minister who has openly led a recognised Church for more than two decades could suddenly be described as a “fake pastor” without clear and compelling evidence being presented to the public.

“While every citizen is subject to the law, and no one should be placed above legitimate investigation, it is equally important that allegations are handled with fairness, objectivity, and due regard for the rights and reputation of those involved.

“The presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of justice, and must be respected until competent court reaches a final determination”, Nduaguibe stated

The media team further noted that the circumstances surrounding Bishop Nwankpa’s arrest have led many to wonder whether factors beyond the stated allegations may have influenced the action taken by the Anambra state Government.

Dr Nduaguibe emphasized that such public concerns underscore the need for transparency and adherence to due process in order to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice.

“We, therefore, call on relevant authorities to ensure that this matter is handled professionally, fairly and without prejudice.

“Any investigation should be guided strictly by facts, evidence, and the rule of law rather than speculation, sentiment or external influence”, the media team added.

This was as they appealed to the public, members of the Church, as well as well-wishers to remain peaceful, law-abiding and prayerful.