There was mild drama at the Anambra State High Court, Awka, on Tuesday, September 5, 2026, when suspected supporters and church members of the General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada-Obosi, Pastor Harrison Anazodo, allegedly attacked journalists covering his court appearance.
The incident reportedly occurred as supporters attempted to shield the cleric from journalists and cameramen while he was being taken into the courtroom.
Eyewitnesses said the supporters used umbrellas and their hands to block the cameras, while the vehicle conveying Anazodo allegedly pushed against some journalists as it reversed towards the entrance of the court.
Two or three journalists reportedly had their mobile phones damaged during the altercation.
The supporters also allegedly occupied virtually all available spaces in the courtroom, leaving little or no room for journalists and other observers.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, condemned the incident.
Barr. Nweke said he had drawn the attention of the court to the development because the court premises and courtroom were hallowed places, while journalists had a responsibility to report proceedings to the public.
“My attention was drawn to the fact that the defendant standing criminal trial, Pastor Harrison Anazodo, came to the court premises with some persons who attacked members of the press and damaged their gadgets.
“I had to enter the courtroom and inform the court of that unfortunate incident, for two reasons: the court premises and the courtroom are hallowed places, and secondly, journalists are the eyes and ears of the public and must be respected at all times.”
The Attorney-General said he condemned the conduct, asked the court to take note of it in the proceedings and indicated that he would escalate the matter to law enforcement authorities.
According to him, counsel to the defendant subsequently apologised to the court, the press and the Attorney-General and agreed to replace the damaged gadgets.
Nweke said the court, in a bench ruling, accepted the apology and directed that the damaged gadgets be replaced.
He added that the court appealed to him to allow the matter to rest, noting that the development had also reaffirmed the importance of press freedom in the administration of justice.
“The court delivered a bench ruling accepting the apology, directing that the gadgets be replaced, and appealing to me to let the matter rest. This is fundamental to the extent that it re-emphasises the freedom of the press to carry out their duties,” he said.
Nweke further disclosed that the court ordered that subsequent proceedings in the matter remain public and accessible to journalists.
He said the court also directed that no journalist should be harassed during the proceedings, warning that any recurrence could lead to the trial being conducted on camera.
Angel Network News (ANN) recalls that Anazodo was arrested by officials of the Anambra State Government on June 10, 2026, and is standing trial before Justice Jude Obiora on a seven-count charge.
The charges include allegations bordering on propagating the accumulation of wealth through supernatural means, an act proscribed under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, as well as allegations of murder, abduction and the unlawful separation and isolation of individuals from their families and keeping them in his residence.
