The Anambra State Government has arraigned a former Abia governorship aspirant, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, and seven other self-acclaimed pastors before the State High Court in Awka over alleged violations of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025.

Nwankpa, founder of Chapel of Faith Ministry in Onitsha, was charged alongside Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama as part of the state’s crackdown on alleged religious fraud and criminal activities linked to spiritual practices.

The prosecution, led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), is being conducted under the Homeland Security Law, 2025, which targets kidnapping, cultism, ritual-related crimes and other security threats.

According to the state government, the defendants are accused of exploiting religion and spirituality to defraud members of the public and allegedly provide support for criminal networks. Authorities said the enforcement drive is focused on individuals using religious and spiritual platforms as cover for unlawful activities.

The law established the state-backed security outfit, Agunechemba, with powers to investigate, arrest and prosecute persons suspected of providing spiritual or ritual support for criminal acts. It also allows for the prosecution of individuals accused of knowingly aiding criminal activities within their communities.

The state government stressed that the law is aimed at combating crime and is not targeted at any religion or faith group.