There was tension at the Anambra State High Court in Awka on Tuesday after suspected supporters of Dayspring Assembly General Overseer, Pastor Harrison Anazodo, allegedly attacked journalists covering his trial and damaged some of their mobile phones.
The incident occurred as Anazodo arrived at the court for proceedings before Justice Jude Obiora. Witnesses said some of his supporters allegedly used umbrellas and their hands to block journalists from filming him and pushed some reporters away from the vehicle conveying the pastor. At least two or three journalists were reportedly left with damaged phones following the confrontation.
The development prompted the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, to raise the matter before the court.
Nweke said he informed the court after being alerted that people accompanying the defendant had attacked journalists and damaged their equipment.
According to him, the incident was unacceptable because the court premises and courtroom are places where proper conduct must be maintained, while journalists play an important role in informing the public about court proceedings.
The Attorney General said counsel to Anazodo later apologised to him, the journalists and the court and accepted responsibility for replacing the damaged devices.
The court subsequently accepted the apology and directed that the damaged gadgets be replaced.
It also directed that proceedings in the case should remain open to the public and accessible to journalists, with Nweke stressing that members of the press should not be harassed during future hearings.
The Attorney General further disclosed that the court had appealed to him to allow the matter to rest, but warned that a recurrence could result in the trial being conducted on camera.
Anazodo is standing trial on a seven count charge filed by the Anambra State Government. The charges include alleged propagation of the accumulation of wealth through supernatural means, an offence 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 pastor was arrested by officials of the Anambra State Government on June 10, 2026.
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