The Anambra State Government has arraigned eight clerics arrested in various parts of the state over alleged violations of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.

The defendants were brought before a court at the State Judiciary Complex in Awka on Friday following their arrest in Onitsha, Awka and other locations across the state.

Those arraigned are Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama.

The prosecution is being led by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), on behalf of the Anambra State Government.

Speaking on the development, the Media Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Ejimofor Opara, said the clerics are facing prosecution for allegedly contravening provisions of the recently enacted Homeland Security Law. He described the suspects as individuals operating under the guise of religious ministry.

The arraignment forms part of the state government's broader efforts to enforce public safety regulations and curb activities it considers detrimental to public order and security.

The latest prosecution follows a similar crackdown launched by the state government last year against several native doctors accused of promoting fraudulent wealth-acquisition schemes. While some of the suspects were convicted, others are still undergoing trial.

The court is expected to continue proceedings on the matter at a later date.