7 Witnesses Set To Testify Against Cleric
An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has denied bail to the General Overseer of Day Spring Assembly, Harrison Anazodo, who is facing criminal charges over allegations including claims that he married about 50 women.
The court, presided over by Justice Jude Obiora, rejected Anazodo’s application for bail on health grounds and ordered that he remain in custody as the case proceeds.
The development came as seven persons believed to be members of his church are expected to testify against him when the trial continues.
Speaking after yesterday’s proceedings, State Counsel, Victoria Ekwerekwu, said the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the defendant, but stressed that the allegations would still have to be proved beyond reasonable doubt.
She commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration for its efforts to address activities allegedly capable of misleading young people.
“We thank Governor Charles Soludo for trying to sanitise our society from pastors who go to make the younger generation believe that making money without hard work exists,” Ekwerekwu said.
“Today, there is a prima facie case against the fake pastor standing trial, Mr Harrison Anazodo, though it is left for us to prove it beyond reasonable doubt.”
She said the court declined the bail application partly because of concerns about possible interference with witnesses.
“The court ruled on the motion for bail and denied him because of the witnesses, so that witnesses would not be interfered with, and the case was adjourned to the 16th day of October,” she said.
Also speaking, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, expressed confidence that the case would be resolved in due course, stressing that the final decision remained with the court.
“We have been here since 9am and the ruling on the bail applications applied by his counsel, after weighing the merit of that application, the judge said the bail is denied,” Mefor said.
“We are looking for the quick dispensation of the matter and we assure you that justice would be done and seen to have been done.”
Meanwhile, there was drama at the court premises when Anazodo arrived for the proceedings, as persons suspected to be his supporters allegedly attacked journalists and cameramen attempting to cover his arrival.
The supporters reportedly used umbrellas and their hands to shield the cleric from cameras while the vehicle conveying him reversed towards the courtroom entrance.
Some journalists were allegedly pushed by the vehicle, while some reportedly had their mobile phones damaged during the confrontation.
The supporters also allegedly occupied available spaces inside the courtroom, leaving limited room for journalists and other observers.
Reacting to the incident, Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, condemned the alleged attack on members of the press.
Nweke said he brought the incident to the attention of the court because the court premises were sacred and journalists had a constitutional role in informing the public.
“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 said.
The Attorney-General said he condemned the conduct, reported it to the court and requested that it be noted in the proceedings, adding that he intended to escalate the matter to law enforcement authorities.
According to Nweke, defence counsel subsequently apologised to him, journalists and the court and agreed to replace the damaged gadgets.
He said the court, in a bench ruling, accepted the apology and directed 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,” Nweke said.
He added that the development underscored the importance of protecting the freedom of the press to carry out its duties.
The case was adjourned until October 16, 2026, for further proceedings.
