There was tension at the Anambra State High Court in Awka on Tuesday as suspected supporters of a pastor standing trial for alleged abduction attacked journalists covering the proceedings.
The supporters, said to be members of the Dayspring Assembly, Awada-Obosi, reportedly attempted to shield the church’s General Overseer, Pastor Harrison Anazodo, from photographers and cameramen as he arrived at the court.
Eyewitnesses said the group surrounded the cleric with umbrellas and used their hands to block journalists from capturing images of him.
The situation reportedly escalated when the vehicle conveying Anazodo reversed towards the court entrance, allegedly pushing some journalists in the process.
At least two or three journalists were said to have had their mobile phones damaged during the confrontation.
The supporters also reportedly filled the available spaces inside the courtroom, making it difficult for journalists and other members of the public to gain access to the proceedings.
The Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, subsequently entered the courtroom and drew the attention of the judge to the incident.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Nweke condemned the alleged attack, describing the court premises and the press as institutions that must be respected.
He said, “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.”
Nweke said he reported the matter to the court and indicated that he would refer it to law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.
“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 the defendant’s lawyer subsequently apologised to him, the journalists and the court and agreed that the damaged devices would be replaced.
According to Nweke, the court accepted the apology in a bench ruling, directed that the damaged gadgets be replaced and appealed to him to allow the matter to rest.
He said the development reaffirmed the importance of protecting journalists as they carry out their professional duties.
Nweke added that the court directed that subsequent proceedings should remain open to journalists and members of the public and warned against any further harassment of the press.
He said the court further indicated that a repeat of such conduct could lead to the proceedings being conducted on camera.
Anazodo was arrested by officials of the Anambra State Government on June 10, 2026, and is standing trial before Justice Jude Obiora on a seven-count charge.
The charges include allegations bordering on promoting the accumulation of wealth through supernatural means, an act said to be prohibited under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
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He is also facing allegations relating to murder, abduction and the unlawful separation and isolation of individuals from their families and their alleged confinement at his residence.
The allegations are before the court for determination.
