Fake Pastors Arrested in Anambra Assisting Investigators — Soludo

Fake Pastors Arrested in Anambra Assisting Investigators — Soludo

Chukwuma Soludo has disclosed that several suspected fake pastors arrested in Anambra State are currently in custody and assisting investigators with what he described as “useful confessions,” as his administration intensifies its crackdown on religious exploitation and social vices.

The Anambra State Governor made the remarks on Sunday during a public engagement at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, during the All Knights Day celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Awka.

Soludo explained that the ongoing enforcement action targeting alleged fake pastors and spiritual operators forms part of a broader social reformation agenda aimed at protecting residents from deception, fraud, and abuse of religious influence.

“The action forms part of our mission to build a new Anambra free from deception and social vices,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to promoting discipline, order, and social responsibility.

According to him, the suspects arrested during recent operations are already “assisting investigators with useful confessions” while in custody, as security agencies continue their investigations.

The governor stressed that the crackdown is not directed at genuine religious leaders or faith-based organisations, but at individuals allegedly using religion as a cover for criminal activity and exploitation of vulnerable citizens.

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He reiterated that leadership must always favour truth, justice, and social reform, urging political and community leaders to show courage in implementing difficult but necessary reforms.

Soludo also commended the Catholic Diocese of Awka for its contributions to moral development and community service, describing the church as a key partner in promoting the common good and resisting societal decay.

He further praised the impact of the Anambra State Burial Law, noting that it has helped reduce excessive spending on funerals across communities and encouraged more modest and meaningful celebrations of life.

According to him, the policy has promoted what he called “decent burial culture” while easing financial pressure on families.

“The law has encouraged befitting living and decent burial for our people,” Soludo said.

The governor also approved support for charitable outreach programmes organised by the Knights, encouraging them to continue visiting orphanages and engaging in humanitarian service.

He urged them to remain “the light of the world” by sustaining their commitment to discipline, service, and moral leadership.

In his homily, the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, described knighthood as a call to discipline, accountability, and sober reflection.

Represented by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Iheanacho, the bishop urged members of the Knights to remain humble, avoid elitism, and stay connected to the needs of ordinary people.

“They must preserve their moral voice while remaining connected to society,” he said.

The event comes amid heightened enforcement actions by the Anambra State Government against suspected fake spiritual leaders, native doctors, and individuals accused of promoting fraudulent practices under religious or traditional cover.

Security agencies in the state have recently stepped up operations as part of efforts to tackle fraud, cultism, ritual-related crimes, and other forms of social misconduct.

Fake Pastors Arrested in Anambra Assisting Investigators — Soludo