ANAMBRA COURT SESSION DESCENDS INTO CHAOS AS PASTOR’S SUPPORTERS CLASH WITH JOURNALISTS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
There was a mild drama at the Anambra State High Court in Awka as suspected supporters of the General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada-Obosi, Pastor Harrison Anazodo, clashed with journalists during his appearance in court.
Anazodo, who is facing charges filed by the Anambra State Government, appeared for the hearing of his bail application. He was brought to the court in a wheelchair, with supporters using umbrellas to shield him from journalists and cameramen.
The situation reportedly became tense as some supporters confronted journalists, resulting in damage to the mobile phones of two journalists.
The incident was brought to the attention of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, who raised the matter before the presiding judge, Justice Jude Obiorah.
Nweke told the court that the supporters disrupted proceedings and caused a disturbance within the court premises.
Defence counsel, W. Abonye, apologised to the court, the state government and the media, saying the actions were not directed by his client. He also promised that the damaged devices would be replaced and that similar incidents would not happen again.
Justice Obiorah accepted the apology and the undertaking by the defence counsel to replace the damaged gadgets.
Anazodo is being prosecuted over allegations including promoting the accumulation of wealth through supernatural means, which the state says is prohibited under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, as well as allegations of murder, abduction and unlawful isolation of individuals.