The clerics were arraigned on Friday at the state judiciary complex in Awka following their arrest in Onitsha, Awka and other parts of the state.
According to the Governor’s Media Adviser, Ejimofor Opara, the pastors, whom he described as “fake pastors”, were charged for allegedly contravening provisions of the 2025 Homeland Security Law.
The legislation prohibits certain religious activities considered harmful to public interest, particularly practices linked to promises of wealth creation and other forms of alleged exploitation.
The development follows the state government’s earlier crackdown on native doctors accused of promoting get-rich-quick schemes. While some of those arrested have already been convicted and sentenced, others are still facing trial.
The pastors standing trial are Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama.
The prosecution is being led by the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN.