By Ovat Abeng
The General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada, Obosi, Anambra State, Pastor Harrison Anazodo, on Monday appeared in a wheelchair before High Court in Awka as proceedings opened in the criminal case arising from allegations that first made national headlines earlier this year.
Anazodo is standing trial on a seven-count charge bordering on the alleged promotion of wealth acquisition through supernatural means, murder, abduction, and the unlawful separation and isolation of individuals from their families. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The embattled cleric was brought to court from the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, where he has reportedly spent the last three weeks in the Intensive Care Unit.
READ ALSO: Cross River 2027: Nkoyo Toyo Campaign Delegation Visits UPM, Seeks Support
Pastor Anazodo came into public focus in June after operatives of the Anambra State Government’s security outfit, Agunechemba, arrested him following viral videos and testimonies alleging that he had persuaded dozens of married women in his congregation to abandon their husbands and become his wives. Some accusers claimed the number was as high as 75 women.
Authorities also disclosed that 11 babies were found in his residence during the arrest, while the pastor reportedly claimed they were his children born by 11 of his wives. The allegations remain the subject of ongoing criminal proceedings.
The arrest formed part of Anambra State’s wider crackdown on alleged fraudulent religious practices under the Homeland Security Law, 2025.
Bail hearing stalled
At Monday’s proceedings, the charges were formally read to the defendant, who denied all seven counts.
Following his plea, defence counsel, W. O. Abonyi, applied for bail, arguing that his client should be released pending trial.
However, prosecuting counsel, C. V. Ononye, opposed the application, contending that the prosecution had not been given sufficient notice to prepare and file a response.
Justice Jude Obiora declined to hear the bail application immediately.
Taking note of Anazodo’s fragile health, the judge ordered that he be returned to the teaching hospital for continued medical treatment rather than to a custodial facility.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until October 12 for hearing of the bail application and further proceedings.
The offences are alleged to have been committed between 2000 and 2025, with prosecutors relying partly on provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, in addition to other criminal allegations.
Pastor Anazodo was arrested by officials of the Anambra State Government on June 10, and investigations that began with sensational allegations involving members of his church have now entered the trial stage before the High Court.
