There was drama at the Anambra State High Court in Awka as supporters of embattled pastor Harrison Anazodo allegedly attacked journalists covering his trial, damaging phones and cameras in a desperate bid to shield him from the media.
At least three journalists reportedly had their gadgets damaged during the fracas, which erupted as the General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada-Obosi, was being ushered into the courtroom.
The supporters allegedly used wrappers and their bodies to prevent journalists and cameramen from recording the pastor’s arrival.
Some members of the press were reportedly pushed around as the supporters struggled to block them from capturing images of the defendant.
The supporters later occupied available spaces in the courtroom, leaving journalists and other observers with limited room.
The incident sparked condemnation from the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, who vowed to report the matter to law enforcement authorities.
Nweke said he drew the court’s attention to the incident, stressing that court premises were public spaces where journalists should be allowed to carry out their professional duties without intimidation.
He maintained that the media had a responsibility to report court proceedings and should not be subjected to harassment while performing that duty.
According to the Attorney-General, counsel to Anazodo apologised to him, the affected journalists and the court over the incident and agreed to replace the damaged gadgets.
The court subsequently accepted the apology and directed that the damaged equipment be replaced.
It also ordered that subsequent proceedings remain open to journalists and members of the public, warning against any attempt to harass reporters covering the case.
PASTOR FACES MURDER, ABDUCTION CHARGES
The courtroom drama came as Anazodo faces trial on a seven-count charge over allegations ranging from the propagation of wealth accumulation through supernatural means to murder and abduction.
The cleric was arrested by Anambra State Government officials on June 10, 2026, and is being tried before Justice Jude Obiora.
One of the allegations against him concerns the propagation of the accumulation of wealth through supernatural means, an act reportedly prohibited under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
He is also accused of offences relating to murder, abduction and the unlawful separation and isolation of individuals from their families.
The allegations have placed the pastor at the centre of a high-profile criminal case, with the latest courtroom confrontation adding another layer of controversy to the proceedings.
However, the charges remain allegations to be determined by the court.
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