There was a mild drama at the Anambra State High Court in Awka on Tuesday as persons suspected to be supporters and church members of the General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada-Obosi, Pastor Harrison Anazodo, allegedly attacked journalists and cameramen while attempting to shield him from the media.
The incident occurred as Anazodo arrived at the court for his trial before Justice Jude Obiora.
The pastor was arrested by officials of the Anambra State Government on June 10, 2026, and is facing a seven-count charge bordering on alleged 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 of murder, abduction, unlawful separation and isolation of individuals from their families, and allegedly keeping some individuals at his residence.
Eyewitnesses said some of Anazodo’s supporters used umbrellas and their hands to prevent journalists from taking photographs and recording him, while allegedly pushing members of the press away from the vehicle that brought him to court.
Two or three journalists reportedly had their mobile phones damaged during the confrontation.
The supporters were also said to have occupied almost every available space in the courtroom, leaving limited room for other people who wanted to observe the proceedings.
Speaking after the hearing, the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, condemned the incident.
Nweke said his attention was drawn to the alleged attack on journalists and damage to their equipment, noting that he had raised the matter before the court.
“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 journalists and damaged their gadgets.
“I had to enter the courtroom and inform the court of the unfortunate incident, for two reasons: first, 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,” he said.
He said he condemned the conduct and requested that the incident be recorded in the proceedings, adding that he would refer the matter to law enforcement authorities.
Nweke said counsel to the defendant subsequently apologised to him, the press and the court and agreed to replace the damaged equipment.
“The court delivered a bench ruling accepting the apology, directed that the gadgets be replaced, and appealed to me to let the matter rest. This is fundamental to the extent that it reemphasises the freedom of the press to carry out their duties,” he said.
The Attorney-General added that the court directed that proceedings in the case should remain public and accessible to journalists, stressing that members of the press must not be harassed during subsequent hearings.
He warned that any recurrence could result in proceedings being conducted on camera.
The allegations against Anazodo remain unproven until determined by a court of law.
