There was a mild drama at the Anambra State High Court in Awka on Tuesday, September 5, 2026, when suspected supporters and church members of the General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada-Obosi, Pastor Harrison Anazodo, allegedly harassed journalists covering his court appearance.
The incident occurred as the supporters reportedly attempted to shield the cleric from journalists and cameramen while he was being taken into the courtroom.
Eyewitnesses said the supporters used umbrellas and their hands to block cameras and, in the process, pushed some journalists as the vehicle conveying the pastor reversed towards the court entrance.
At least two or three journalists reportedly had their mobile phones damaged during the altercation.
The supporters were also said to have occupied virtually all available spaces in the courtroom, leaving limited room for journalists and other members of the public who came to observe the proceedings.
Reacting to the incident after the court session, the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, condemned the alleged harassment of members of the press.
Nweke said he was informed that the defendant arrived at the court premises with some persons who attacked journalists and damaged their gadgets.
He said he brought the matter to the attention of the court because the court premises and courtroom were “hallowed places” and journalists should be allowed to perform their duties without intimidation.
The Attorney-General said the media remained the eyes and ears of the public and therefore deserved to be respected while covering court proceedings.
According to him, he condemned the incident, formally drew the court’s attention to it and requested that the incident be recorded in the proceedings.
He also said he indicated his intention to report the matter to law enforcement authorities.
Nweke disclosed that counsel to Pastor Anazodo subsequently apologised to the court, the press and the Attorney-General and accepted responsibility for replacing the damaged gadgets.
He said the court, in a bench ruling, accepted the apology and directed that the damaged gadgets be replaced.
The court also appealed to the Attorney-General to allow the matter to rest, while reaffirming the right of journalists to cover the proceedings.
Nweke further disclosed that the court ordered that the trial would remain open and accessible to members of the press.
He warned that journalists must not be harassed or obstructed from carrying out their professional duties, adding that any recurrence of such conduct could lead to restrictions on physical access to the proceedings and the trial being conducted on camera.
Pastor Anazodo was arrested by officials of the Anambra State Government on June 10, 2026, and is currently standing trial before Justice Jude Obiora.
He is facing a seven-count charge bordering on alleged propagation of the accumulation of wealth through supernatural means, an act reportedly prohibited under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
The charges also include allegations relating to murder, abduction, and the unlawful separation and isolation of individuals from their families and their alleged detention at his residence.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.
About the Author
