Governor Charles Soludo has announced that Anambra State is intensifying its efforts to crack down on pastors and prophets who claim to perform miracles but are considered “fake” by authorities. Speaking at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day of the Catholic Diocese of Awka on Sunday, the governor revealed that several individuals have already been detained and are cooperating with investigators. He urged genuine religious leaders to focus their messages on hard work and personal responsibility, rather than offering promises of “salvation without the cross.” Soludo emphasized 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 stated. “As I speak now, several of them are already in custody and confessing.” He expressed 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 genuinely 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, suggesting that authentic 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 reported 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 has confirmed that law enforcement agencies have arrested several individuals identified as pastors, bishops, and “prophetic” leaders suspected of fraud. Although details of the charges have not been released, the state police have indicated that these 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. This 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.
Comments are closed for this story.