By Asaye Bankole
There was tension at the Anambra State High Court in Awka on Tuesday when suspected supporters and church members of Pastor Harrison Anazodo, General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada-Obosi, allegedly attacked journalists covering his court appearance.
The incident occurred as Anazodo arrived at the court to face trial before Justice Jude Obiora.
His supporters reportedly used umbrellas and their hands to shield him from cameras while allegedly pushing journalists away from the vehicle conveying him to the court.
Two or three journalists reportedly had their mobile phones damaged during the confrontation.
Anazodo was arrested by officials of the Anambra State Government on June 10, 2026, and is facing a seven-count charge.
The allegations include the propagation of the accumulation of wealth through supernatural means, an offence prohibited under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
He is also facing allegations relating to murder, abduction, unlawful separation and isolation of individuals from their families, as well as allegedly keeping some individuals at his residence.
The pastor’s supporters reportedly occupied most of the available space in the courtroom, leaving limited room for members of the public who wanted to observe the proceedings.
Speaking after the hearing, the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, condemned the alleged attack on journalists.
Nweke said he brought the incident to the attention of the court, stressing that the court premises are sacred places and that journalists play an important role in keeping the public informed.
He said journalists should be allowed to carry out their professional duties without harassment or intimidation.
According to the Attorney-General, the incident was formally brought to the court’s attention and a request was made for it to be recorded in the proceedings.
He also indicated that the matter could be referred to law enforcement authorities.
Nweke explained that counsel representing the pastor later apologised to the court, the journalists and the Attorney-General, while accepting responsibility for replacing the damaged gadgets.
The court subsequently accepted the apology, ordered that the damaged equipment be replaced and appealed to the Attorney-General to allow the matter to rest.
The Attorney-General further disclosed that the court reaffirmed that proceedings in the case would remain open to the public and accessible to journalists.
He, however, warned that any recurrence of harassment or attacks against journalists during subsequent hearings could lead to the proceedings being conducted on camera.
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