Dr Stanley Nduagu, media adviser to Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, general overseer of Chapel of Faith International Bible Church, Worldwide, Onitsha, Anambra State, has described the arrest and arraignment of the popular cleric as a matter of concern and a politically induced witch hunt.
DrumAfricanews reports that the Anambra State government, on the morning of Friday, June 5th, 2026, arraigned Bishop Emeka Nwankpa and seven others, including Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama, as alleged fake pastors for violating the 2025 Homeland Security Law.
DrumAfricaNews reports that the state attorney general and commissioner for justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, led the prosecution, as the Soludo administration has launched a broad crackdown on those it termed fake pastors, fake native doctors, and spiritualists who operate under the guise of religion to exploit the public and empower criminal networks across the state.
Bishop Nwankpa is a graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, who is an indigene of the Umuopara Umukalu Ntigha community, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State, was one of the Senatorial aspirants of the NDC for Abia Central Senatorial election of 2027 and is likely to emerge the the winner.
Reacting swiftly, Nduagu said that Bishop Nwankpa, as the General Overseer of Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly International, has headquarters in Onitsha and branches in various parts of Nigeria.
According to Nduagu, for over twenty-five years, Bishop Nwankpa has been actively engaged in Christian ministry, preaching the Gospel, mentoring believers, conducting charitable activities, and providing spiritual leadership to thousands of worshippers.
He said that the church’s headquarters at 3-3 Junction, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, near Onitsha, Anambra state has become a well-known centre of worship with a congregation numbering over two thousand.
“Throughout the years, the ministry has remained visible and accessible to the public, carrying out its religious activities openly and consistently,” he said.
Nduagu said that against this background, many observers have expressed surprise at the decision to arrest and arraign Bishop Nwankpa on allegations that appear inconsistent with his long and publicly established record of pastoral service.
The media adviser went further to say that, “questionsnaturally arise as to how a minister who has openly led a recognised church for more than two decades could suddenly be described as a “‘fake pastor’without clear and compelling evidence being presented to the public.”
He said that while every citizen is subject to the law and no one should be placed above legitimate investigation, it is equally important that allegations are handled with fairness, objectivity, and due regard for the rights and reputation of those involved.
Nduagu said that the presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of justice and must be respected until any competent court reaches a final determination.
“The circumstances surrounding Bishop Nwankpa’s arrest have led many to wonder whether factors beyond the stated allegations may have influenced the action taken against him.
“Such concerns underscore the need for transparency and adherence to due process in order to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice.”
Nduagu, therefore, called on the relevant authorities to ensure that this matter is handled professionally, fairly, and without prejudice, adding that any investigation should be guided strictly by facts, evidence, and the rule of law rather than speculation, sentiment, or external influence.
He also urged the members of the public, supporters of the church, and well-wishers to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and prayerful while allowing the legal process to run its course.
Nduagu added that at a time when faith-based institutions continue to play important roles in moral development, social welfare, and community building, it is essential that actions capable of damaging reputations be undertaken only on the basis of credible evidence and in accordance with established legal procedures.
“The circumstances surrounding his present ordeal clearly suggest unseen political hands. We are confident that the Almighty God who gave him victory in the last NDC primaries will deliver him from the hands of political evildoers.
“The truth must prevail, justice must be done, and fairness must remain the guiding principle in every democratic society.”
Meanwhile, the arrest and arraignment of Bishop Nwankpa on allegations suggesting that he is a “fake pastor” is seriously generating widespread concern among members of the Christian community, associates of the cleric from his home state, Abia, as well as Anambra State, where he lives.
