An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has denied bail to Harrison Anazodo, the General Overseer of Day Spring Assembly, who is facing criminal proceedings over allegations linked to his activities as a self-styled pastor.

Anazodo had applied for bail on health grounds, but Justice Jude Obiora rejected the application during Tuesday’s proceedings.

The case was subsequently adjourned until October 16, 2026.

Seven church members lined up as witnesses

The development came as seven people believed to be members of Anazodo’s church were reportedly listed to testify against him.

State Counsel Victoria Ekwerekwu said after the proceedings that the prosecution believed there was a prima facie case against the defendant, while stressing that the allegations would still have to be proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Ekwerekwu also said the court denied bail partly because of concerns that witnesses could be interfered with.

“We thank Governor Charles Soludo for trying to sanitise our society from pastors who go to make the younger generation believe that making money without hard work exists,” she said.

She added that the prosecution would present its case before the court and seek to establish the allegations against Anazodo beyond reasonable doubt.

government seeks quick resolution

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said the state government was optimistic that the matter would be resolved promptly.

Mefor said the court considered the merits of the bail application before ruling against the defendant’s release.

“We are looking for the quick dispensation of the matter and we assure you that justice would be done and seen to have been done,” he said.

Supporters allegedly attack journalists

There was also drama at the court premises when people believed to be supporters and members of Anazodo’s church allegedly attacked journalists and cameramen who attempted to record his arrival.

According to the report, the supporters used umbrellas and their hands to shield the defendant from cameras as he was being taken into the courtroom.

Some journalists reportedly had their phones damaged during the confrontation, while the supporters occupied available spaces inside the courtroom.

The Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, condemned the incident and said he had drawn the court’s attention to the alleged attack.

Nweke said journalists were entitled to carry out their duties and that the court premises should be respected.

He disclosed that counsel to Anazodo apologised to the court and journalists and agreed to replace the damaged gadgets.

The court subsequently accepted the apology and directed that the damaged devices be replaced.

Case adjourned to October 16

With bail denied, Anazodo remains in custody as the criminal proceedings continue.

The court will reconvene on October 16, when further proceedings in the case are expected to take place.

The allegations against Anazodo remain subject to proof in court, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.