Supporters of Pastor Harrison Anazodo allegedly attacked journalists and damaged their equipment at the Anambra State High Court in Awka on Tuesday, creating a disturbance during the cleric's trial. The incident occurred as Anazodo, the General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly in Awada-Obosi, arrived at the court to face Justice Jude Obiora.
Eyewitnesses reported that individuals suspected to be church members used umbrellas and their hands to shield the pastor from cameras, pushing members of the press away from the vehicle transporting him to the courtroom. During the altercation, two or three journalists reportedly had their mobile phones damaged. The supporters also occupied nearly all available space within the courtroom, limiting room for other observers.
Anazodo was arrested by Anambra State Government officials on June 10, 2026. He is currently facing a seven-count charge that includes alleged propagation of the accumulation of wealth through supernatural means, an offense under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, as well as alleged murder. Additional accusations include abduction and the unlawful separation and isolation of individuals from their families by keeping them at his residence.
Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, condemned the incident after the proceedings. Nweke stated that he intervened in the courtroom to inform the judge of the attack, emphasizing that court premises are hallowed places and journalists serve as the "eyes and ears of the public" who must be respected.
“I indicated that I would escalate it to law enforcement authorities,” Nweke said, adding that he requested the incident be recorded in the proceedings.
According to Nweke, the defendant's counsel subsequently apologized to the Attorney-General, the press, and the court, accepting responsibility for replacing the damaged gadgets. The court issued a bench ruling accepting the apology and directing the replacement of the equipment, while appealing to Nweke to let the matter rest to reemphasize press freedom.
The judge further ordered that the trial proceedings remain public and accessible to the press, stressing that no journalist should be harassed during future hearings. Nweke warned that any recurrence of such conduct could result in the trial being conducted on camera.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
