Governor Charles Soludo has announced that Anambra State is intensifying a crackdown on pastors and prophets who claim to perform miracles but are deemed “fake” by authorities. Speaking at St Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day of the Catholic Diocese of Awka on Sunday, the governor said several of the individuals have already been detained and are cooperating with investigators.
Soludo urged bona‑fide religious leaders to focus their messages on hard work and personal responsibility rather than promises of “salvation without the cross.” He warned that the state will no longer tolerate ministers who exploit vulnerable believers with false promises of miraculous deliverance.
“The state has commenced an ongoing crackdown on fake pastors who exploit the vulnerable by preaching a gospel of ‘salvation without the cross,’” Soludo said. “As I speak now, several of them are already in custody and confessing.” He added that a “new Anambra is in the offing, which must be clean and clear of such deception.”
In an unusual directive, Soludo invited any pastor or prophet who truly wishes to demonstrate a miracle to do so at Amaku Hospital, a public health facility in the state’s capital, Awka. “If anyone wants to perform a miracle, they should come to Amaku Hospital,” he said, implying that genuine healing should be subject to medical verification rather than religious spectacle.
The governor’s remarks come amid growing public concern over the proliferation of self‑styled gospel ministers who, according to officials, lure congregants with promises of instant wealth, health or deliverance in exchange for money or donations. Community members have complained that such figures often prey on the poor and elderly, offering unverified cures and financial schemes that leave followers disillusioned and financially strained.
Anambra’s Ministry of Information confirmed that law enforcement agencies have arrested a number of individuals identified as pastors, bishops and “prophetic” leaders suspected of fraud. While details of the charges have not been released, the state police have indicated that the arrests are part of a broader effort to protect citizens from spiritual and financial exploitation.
Religious leaders across the state have reacted cautiously to Soludo’s announcement. Some clergy welcomed the governor’s stance, noting that it aligns with longstanding calls for accountability within the ministry. Others warned that the move could be misused to target legitimate religious expression if not carefully applied.
The crackdown is expected to continue as authorities investigate further claims of fraudulent ministries. Soludo concluded by urging the public to remain vigilant and to seek assistance from medical professionals for health concerns, rather than relying solely on supernatural claims.
The initiative marks a significant step by a Nigerian state government to confront the intersection of faith and fraud, setting a precedent that could influence similar actions in other regions of the country.
