Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State says his administration has commenced a crackdown on individuals posing as pastors and prophets to allegedly exploit residents through fake miracles and deceptive religious practices.
Soludo disclosed this on Sunday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Awka.
The governor said several suspected fake clerics had already been arrested and were currently in custody.
According to him, the crackdown is part of efforts by his administration to sanitise the religious space and protect vulnerable residents from exploitation.
Soludo accused some religious leaders of promoting what he described as a “gospel of salvation without the cross” while misleading followers with fraudulent miracle claims.
He challenged individuals claiming to possess genuine healing or miracle-working powers to demonstrate such abilities in hospitals rather than at public gatherings.
“We have arrested fake pastors and bishops. Whoever wants to perform a miracle should come to Amaku Hospital,” Soludo said.
He added that Anambra was undergoing reforms aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust.
“The state has commenced an ongoing crackdown on fake pastors who exploit the vulnerable by preaching gospel of salvation without the cross.
“As I speak now, several of them are already in custody and confessing. A new Anambra is in the offing, which must be clean and clear of such deception,” he said.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating fraudulent activities across different sectors in the state.
