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Drama reportedly erupted at a court premises in Anambra State after supporters of a pastor standing trial allegedly confronted and attacked journalists covering proceedings.
The incident reportedly occurred amid heightened tension surrounding the ongoing prosecution of the cleric, whose case has continued to attract supporters to the court premises.
The pastor is among religious figures being prosecuted by the Anambra State Government over alleged violations of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025.
The state has accused some of the defendants of engaging in practices including the alleged staging of miracles using hired actors and obtaining financial benefits from members of the public through deception.
The accused pastors have been defending themselves against the allegations in court and should be regarded as innocent unless and until convicted.
During the latest court appearance, tension reportedly escalated outside the courtroom as journalists attempted to cover developments in the case.
Supporters of the cleric were alleged to have confronted some media practitioners, leading to a disturbance at the court premises.
The reported confrontation has raised concerns about the safety of journalists covering judicial proceedings and the ability of reporters to carry out their duties without intimidation or physical interference.
The case itself has attracted significant public attention since the Anambra State Government arraigned eight pastors before a High Court in Awka earlier this year.
Those initially arraigned included Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama.
They were accused of offences under the state’s Homeland Security Law and, in some cases, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act.
The prosecution alleged that some defendants worked with individuals who recruited people to pose as worshippers receiving miraculous healing or deliverance.
The defendants have challenged the allegations through their lawyers, with some assembling senior legal teams to defend them.
The latest reported confrontation involving journalists adds another dimension to a case already generating debate about religious freedom, alleged fraud, law enforcement and the limits of government regulation of religious practices.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported attack, including who was involved and whether any arrests or formal complaints have been made.
