By Chuks Collins, Awka
There was mild drama at the Anambra State High Court in Awka on Tuesday when suspected supporters of the embattled General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Pastor Harrison Anazodo, allegedly attacked journalists covering his court proceeding and damaged some of their working gadgets.
The incident occurred as the pastor arrived at the court premises for his criminal trial.
The supporters, including women and children, allegedly attempted to shield Anazodo from journalists as he made his way into the courtroom. Some reportedly used umbrellas, newspapers, wrappers and their bodies to block cameras and prevent journalists from getting clear views of the defendant.
The situation reportedly escalated when some of the supporters pushed journalists towards the courtroom entrance.
No fewer than three journalists were said to have had their phones and cameras damaged during the ensuing melee.
The supporters subsequently occupied available spaces in the courtroom, leaving some journalists and other observers struggling to gain access to the proceedings.
Reacting to the incident after the court session, the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, condemned the alleged attack and said the matter would be escalated to law enforcement authorities.
“My attention was drawn to the fact that the defendant standing criminal trial, Pastor Harrison Anazodo, came to the court premises with some persons who attacked members of the press and damaged their gadgets.
“I had to enter the courtroom and inform the court of that unfortunate incident, for two reasons: the court premises and the courtroom are hallowed places, and secondly, journalists are the eyes and ears of the public and must be respected at all times,” Nweke said.
The Attorney-General said he condemned the conduct, reported it to the court and requested that it be recorded in the proceedings.
He added that he also indicated his intention to escalate the matter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
According to him, counsel to the defendant subsequently apologised to him, the journalists and the court, and agreed to replace the damaged gadgets.
“The court delivered a bench ruling accepting the apology, directing that the gadgets be replaced, and appealing to me to let the matter rest.
“This is fundamental to the extent that it re-emphasises the freedom of the press to carry out their duties,” Nweke said.
He further disclosed that the court ordered that proceedings in the matter should remain public and accessible to the press, stressing that journalists must not be harassed while covering the trial.
Nweke warned that any recurrence of such conduct could lead to the trial being held on camera.
Pastor Anazodo was arrested by officials of the Anambra State Government on June 10, 2026, and is standing trial before Justice Jude Obiora on a seven-count charge bordering on allegations that he propagated the accumulation of wealth through supernatural means, an act said to be prohibited under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
He is also facing allegations relating to murder, abduction and the unlawful separation and isolation of individuals from their families and their alleged confinement at his residence.
The allegations remain before the court for determination.
Tags: #Anambra #Court #Journalists #PastorAnazodo
