Soludo's Crackdown on Fake Miracles Receives Boost from Ohanaeze, PFN
The Anambra State Government’s crackdown on individuals accused of staging fake miracles and engaging in religious fraud has received the backing of the Spiritual Director of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Rev. Dr. Elias Ekwemmuor, and the Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Anambra State, Bishop Moses Ezedebego.
Speaking with newsmen in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, Dr. Ekwemmuor commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration for confronting what he described as fraudulent religious practices and urged the government to sustain and intensify the exercise.
According to him, the activities of self-styled prophets and fake miracle workers have long been foretold in the scriptures as signs of the end times.
He, however, noted that socio-economic challenges and governance failures have also contributed to making vulnerable citizens susceptible to exploitation while seeking solutions to personal difficulties.
“People are often driven by hardship and desperation to seek help wherever they can find it. This has created opportunities for fraudulent individuals to exploit innocent citizens under the guise of religion,” he said.
Also speaking, Bishop Ezedebego said while miracles remain a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, religious platforms should not be used to deceive or defraud members of the public.
He commended Governor Soludo for taking steps to rid the state of individuals allegedly using religion as a cover for fraudulent activities and urged the government to apply the law fairly across all denominations and religious groups.
“Pastors cannot stop preaching miracles because miracles are real. However, anyone using religion to exploit people should be held accountable in accordance with the law,” he said.
The PFN chairman further called on the state government to collaborate with recognised leaders of various religious bodies in identifying and addressing fraudulent practices without victimising genuine practitioners.
He noted that fraud and misconduct are not peculiar to religious circles, adding that similar abuses exist in other professions and sectors.
The comments come days after eight pastors were remanded in a correctional facility following their arraignment before an Anambra State High Court presided over by Justice Jude Obiorah.
The defendants were accused of hiring individuals to pose as beneficiaries of miracles during church programmes.
The Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Tobechukwu Nweke, who is leading the prosecution, said the charges form part of the state government's efforts to protect residents from exploitation and deceptive practices.
According to the prosecution, the offences include allegedly wielding fake supernatural powers and using a place of worship for the commission of a crime, contrary to Sections 18(3) and 19(1) of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025.
The defendants are also facing allegations of obtaining by false pretence under Section 3(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006.
The matter has been adjourned for further proceedings.
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