Pastor Anazodo’s Church Members Attack Journalists, Damage Gadgets in Anambra Court

Judge Orders Replacement of Damaged Gadgets, Warns Against Harassment of Journalists

There was mild drama at the Anambra State High Court in Awka on Tuesday, when suspected supporters and church members of the General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada-Obosi, Pastor Harrison Anazodo, allegedly attacked journalists and cameramen while attempting to shield the cleric from being photographed as he was brought into the courtroom.

Anazodo, who is currently in security custody, is standing trial over allegations bordering on the unlawful separation and isolation of individuals from their families, among other serious offences.

The incident occurred as the accused was being brought into the court premises for proceedings in the case.

Eyewitnesses said the supporters surrounded the cleric, using umbrellas and their hands to shield him from journalists and cameramen who attempted to capture his arrival.

They allegedly pushed journalists with the vehicle conveying the accused as it reversed towards the entrance of the court in an apparent attempt to prevent members of the press from taking photographs and recording the proceedings.

Two or three journalists reportedly had their mobile phones damaged during the altercation, while the supporters were said to have occupied virtually every available space in the courtroom, leaving little or no room for journalists and other observers.

The incident subsequently became an issue before the court.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, condemned the alleged attack, describing the conduct as unacceptable and inappropriate, particularly within the premises of the court.

Nweke said his attention was drawn to the incident involving the defendant and some persons who accompanied him to court.

“My attention was drawn to the fact that the defendant standing criminal trial, Pastor Harrison Anazodo, came to the court premises with some persons who attacked members of the press and damaged their gadgets.
“I had to enter the courtroom and inform the court of that unfortunate incident, for two reasons: the court premises and the courtroom are hallowed places, and secondly, journalists are the eyes and ears of the public and must be respected at all times.” he added.

The Attorney-General said he condemned the conduct, formally brought the incident to the attention of the court and requested that it be noted in the proceedings.

“I condemned that attitude, reported the incident to the court, asked the court to take note of that conduct in the proceedings of the case, and indicated that I would escalate it to law enforcement authorities,” Nweke said.

According to him, counsel to the defendant subsequently apologised to the court, the Attorney-General and members of the press over the incident and accepted the condition that the damaged gadgets be replaced.

“The court delivered a bench ruling accepting the apology, directing that the gadgets be replaced, and appealing to me to let the matter rest. This is fundamental to the extent that it re-emphasises the freedom of the press to carry out their duties,” he said.

Nweke further disclosed that the court ordered that proceedings in the matter should remain open to members of the public and the press.

He said the court also directed that no journalist should be harassed or prevented from carrying out his or her professional duties during subsequent proceedings.

The Attorney-General, however, warned that any recurrence of such conduct could have serious consequences for the manner in which the proceedings are conducted.

He said the court had indicated that should such incidents recur, the trial could be conducted in camera, thereby restricting public access to the proceedings.

The development came amid heightened public interest in the criminal case involving Anazodo, who was arrested by officials of the Anambra State Government on June 10, 2026.

Anazodo is standing trial before Justice Jude Obiora on a seven-count charge bordering on allegations of propagating the accumulation of wealth through supernatural means, an act said to have been proscribed under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.

The charges also include allegations relating to murder, abduction, and the unlawful separation and isolation of individuals from their families and keeping them at his residence.

The allegations against the defendant remain subject to determination by the court, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.