A respected Pentecostal cleric in Anambra State, Archbishop Emma David Okaforagu, has thrown his weight behind Governor Charles Soludo following the arrest and prosecution of eight pastors accused of staging fake miracles to deceive worshippers.
The development has sparked widespread debate across the country, with many Nigerians divided over the state government’s move against religious leaders. However, Archbishop Okaforagu believes the action was necessary and long overdue.
The pastors were recently arraigned before an Anambra State High Court in Awka by officials of the state government led by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN).
They are accused of orchestrating fake miracles and using paid actors to pose as beneficiaries of divine healing and deliverance during church services.
According to the allegations, the staged miracles were used to attract followers, gain public attention, and generate financial contributions from worshippers. Some of the accused individuals were also charged alongside persons allegedly recruited to act as miracle recipients.
“The Church Should Have Taken the Lead” – Archbishop Okaforagu
Reacting to the controversy, Archbishop Okaforagu commended Governor Soludo and the state’s security leadership for taking what he described as a courageous decision.
Speaking during an interview in Nnewi, the cleric said the government was carrying out a responsibility that should ordinarily have been handled by church leaders themselves.
“We want to commend the state government for doing the job for the church,” he said.
The archbishop explained that he had previously called on pastors and Christian leaders to examine their ministries and ensure they were operating according to biblical standards.
“Two years ago, I told pastors and church leaders to search themselves. I told the church leaders to rise up to their responsibilities of being good shepherds, and to pastor the church in the likeness of Christ whom we emulate.”
He further stressed the need for accountability among religious leaders, urging churches to identify and separate genuine ministers from those who exploit the faith for personal gain.
Bishop Urges Wider Scrutiny of Religious Activities
While supporting the government’s action, Archbishop Okaforagu noted that the guilt or innocence of the accused pastors should ultimately be determined through legal proceedings.
“I’m not saying that all of them are guilty of the offences preferred against them, but there must be something wrong about those arrested by the state government,” he stated.
He argued that authorities likely gathered information before carrying out the arrests and pointed out that many ministers have served faithfully for decades without attracting similar allegations.
The cleric also called on the government to conduct a broader review of religious activities across the state to ensure fraudulent practices are identified and addressed.
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“The only thing I will ask the government to do is to take more time to scrutinize all the pastors in Anambra, so that those of them that are too close to the devil, the devil in them will be dealt with accordingly.”
The bishop concluded by warning Christians to remain vigilant against false prophets and deceptive teachings. Referring to biblical teachings, he encouraged believers to seek spiritual discernment and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance.
The reaction comes as public attention remains fixed on the case involving the eight pastors, with many awaiting the outcome of the court proceedings.
The Soludo arrests 8 pastors over fake miracles controversy has become one of the most discussed religious and political issues in Anambra State, raising fresh questions about accountability, faith, and the regulation of religious practices in Nigeria.
