Court adjourns fake pastor case after Anambra lawyers fail to appear

A court hearing concerning allegations that Bishop Emeka Nwankpa is a fake pastor was adjourned after lawyers representing the Anambra State Government failed to appear. The case, which was scheduled for resumed hearing on Monday, saw a formidable legal team of three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and seven other lawyers present to defend the Abia-born cleric.

However, neither the Attorney General of Anambra State nor any other legal representative for the state government was present in court. This absence prevented the presiding judge from proceeding with the matter, leading to the adjournment of the case to Friday, June 19, 2026, for further hearing.

Despite the procedural delay, hundreds of worshippers, supporters, and friends of Bishop Nwankpa gathered at the court premises to show solidarity. They expressed strong confidence that justice would prevail and that the cleric would be vindicated.

Bishop Nwankpa, the General Overseer and Senior Pastor of Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly, has been in detention. The court appearance on Monday was specifically for the consideration of bail for the cleric. The Anambra State Government had previously detained Bishop Nwankpa, with allegations suggesting the action was linked to his alleged support for Governor Soludo's opponent, Nicholas Ukachukwu, during the last governorship election in the state.