Anambra asks residents to provide information on fake pastors, native doctors

Anambra State authorities are calling on residents to provide information about fake pastors and traditionalists who allegedly engage in criminality under the guise of religion. The Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, stated that the government seeks credible information on individuals or religious entities involved in extortion, fraud, deception, or any acts endangering peace and misleading the public.

“

The government is calling on Ndị Anambra and all residents of the state with credible information on pastors, churches, or so-called ‘men of God’ involved in criminality, extortion, fraud, deception, or any act that endangers lives and the peace of our communities or misleads the people in the state to please speak up.

This appeal follows the government's ongoing campaign against fake native doctors, now extended to those masquerading as genuine religious figures. The "solution government" aims to eradicate all forms of criminality and sanitize both traditional and religious practices to restore law and order. Mefor emphasized that this effort will protect the true freedom of worship and religious practice in Anambra, urging citizens to collaborate in reclaiming the state from those hiding behind religion, culture, and tradition.

“

This is part of the efforts of the ‘solution government’ to rid the state of all forms of criminality and sanitise both traditional worship and religious practices in order to restore sanity, law and order in the state.

The government has provided a mobile phone number for residents to submit any useful information. This crackdown is part of Governor Soludo's administration's broader efforts, which have previously led to the conviction of one native doctor and the ongoing trial of another for offenses including preparing charms for criminals and aiding fraudsters. Eight suspected fake pastors were also recently arraigned before a state high court for violating the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, which bans preparing charms for crimes and performing sacrifices on roads.

“

Let us work together to take back our state from criminals hiding under religion, culture and tradition.