AWKA — An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has denied bail to Pastor Harrison Anazodo, General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada-Obosi, who is facing a seven-count criminal charge brought by the state government.
Justice Jude Obiora rejected the application after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution on whether the cleric should be released from custody while his trial continues.
Anazodo is accused by the Anambra State Government of offences including allegedly propagating the accumulation of wealth through supernatural means, an act the prosecution says is prohibited under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
The charges also include alleged murder, abduction and the unlawful separation and isolation of individuals from their families and allegedly keeping them at his residence. The allegations have not been proved in court, and Anazodo is presumed innocent unless found guilty.
Defence argues medical grounds
During Tuesday’s proceedings, defence counsel, W.O. Abonyi, urged the court to release his client on bail on medical grounds.
Abonyi told the court that Anazodo had been ill and hospitalised since September 13 and required surgery for the condition.
He argued that continued detention could prevent the defendant from receiving the medical attention required from his doctors and appealed to the court to grant bail so that Anazodo could continue treatment while remaining available for trial.
The defence also undertook, through an affidavit, that the defendant would be produced before the court whenever required.
The application followed an earlier appearance in which Anazodo was brought to court in a wheelchair after receiving treatment at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Awka. Reports from the earlier proceedings said he had spent about three weeks in intensive care.
Prosecution opposes bail
The prosecution opposed the application.
Counsel for the state, C.V. Ononye-Ekwerekwu, told the court that the government had filed a 20-paragraph counter-affidavit sworn to by Uchenna Obiefuna, together with two exhibits.
The prosecution disputed the suggestion that Anazodo needed to remain in hospital, telling the court that he had been discharged from the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital on October 3. A discharge letter was tendered in support of the argument.
The state also argued that the seriousness of the charges created a potential flight risk and raised concerns about possible interference with witnesses if the defendant were released.
Prosecution counsel said the state was ready to proceed with the trial and that witnesses were available to testify against the defendant. A later account of the proceedings said seven witnesses were expected to testify as the prosecution begins presenting its case.
Court rejects application
In his ruling, Justice Obiora refused the bail application.
The judge held that the medical evidence before the court did not establish a life-threatening condition that could not be managed while Anazodo remained in custody.
The judge also expressed concern about the possibility of the defendant interfering with witnesses or posing a threat to them if released.
Justice Obiora further considered other circumstances surrounding the application, including questions about the defendant’s livelihood and whether he had sufficiently established ties that would guarantee his appearance throughout the trial.
The ruling means Anazodo will remain in custody as the substantive criminal proceedings continue.
Trial to proceed
The case has been adjourned until October 16, when the prosecution is expected to open its case.
The proceedings will determine whether the state can establish the allegations against Anazodo beyond reasonable doubt. The defendant has denied the charges.
The case stems from his arrest by Anambra State officials on June 10, 2026. The state subsequently filed the seven-count charge before Justice Obiora.
Tension outside courtroom
Tuesday’s proceedings were also marked by a confrontation involving people described by witnesses as supporters and church members of Anazodo and journalists covering the case.
Punch reported that some supporters allegedly used umbrellas and their hands to shield the pastor from cameras as he arrived at the court, with the vehicle conveying him reportedly pushing some journalists while reversing towards the court entrance. Two or three journalists were reported to have had their mobile phones damaged.
Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, told journalists after the proceedings that he had brought the incident to the attention of the court.
He said the court premises and courtroom were “hallowed places” and that journalists, as “the eyes and ears of the public”, should be allowed to carry out their duties without harassment.
According to Nweke, counsel to Anazodo subsequently apologised to him, the journalists and the court and agreed to replace the damaged equipment.
He said the court accepted the apology, directed that the damaged gadgets be replaced and reaffirmed that the proceedings would remain open and accessible to journalists.
Nweke added that the court warned that any repeat of harassment of journalists could result in the proceedings being conducted on camera.
What happens next
The substantive trial is now expected to move forward on October 16, when the prosecution is scheduled to begin calling its witnesses.
