The Anambra State government has sparked widespread condemnation after it arrested and prosecuted Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, an aspirant for the Abia Central Senatorial seat under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), for allegedly orchestrating fake miracles and prophecies. The cleric, originally from Abia State and a bishop at an Onitsha-based Pentecostal church, appeared before the Anambra High Court in Awka alongside seven other Christian ministers accused of similar offenses.
Bishop Nwankpa’s media aide, Stanley Nduagu, expressed strong disapproval of the government’s actions, asserting that his principal has maintained a spotless record over 25 years of ministry and has never engaged in fraudulent activities. Nduagu argued that the allegations are baseless and unsupported by evidence.
Additionally, Nwankpa’s kinsmen from Isiala Ngwa in Abia State have voiced their concerns, demanding his immediate release. A native of the area, Ngozi Ahunanya, accused the Anambra administration of declaring war on Christianity and traditional religious practices. Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Assembly candidate for Arochukwu constituency, Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya, criticized the arrest as a needless harassment of Christian clerics and worshippers.
The case has further fueled tensions, with many seeing it as an overreach by state authorities. The government, however, maintains that it is determined to crack down on deceptive religious practices that violate state laws.