By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

It was an unusual scene at the Anambra State High Court, Awka, on Tuesday, September 5, 2026, as persons suspected to be supporters and church members of the General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada-Obosi, Pastor Harrison Anazodo, attacked journalists and cameramen while trying to smuggle him into the courtroom.

The supporters, who covered the cleric with umbrellas and their hands in an attempt to shield him from the waiting cameras, pushed journalists with the vehicle that conveyed him as it reversed to the entrance door of the court.

Some journalists had their phones damaged in the altercation, while the supporters occupied every available space in the courtroom, leaving no room for journalists and other observers.

Speaking to journalists after the court proceedings, the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, condemned the incident.

He said: "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.

"I condemned that attitude, reported the incident to the court, and asked the court to take note of that conduct in the proceedings of the case, and indicated that I would escalate it to law enforcement authorities.

“The counsel to the defendant apologised to the Attorney General, members of the press and the court, and further accepted the condition to replace the damaged gadgets.

"The court however 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."

Nweke, SAN, disclosed that the court ordered that the hearing in the matter will remain public and accessible to the press and that no journalist should be harassed going forward.

It also warned that any repeat of such conduct would make the trial be held on camera.

Anazodo was arrested by officials of the Anambra State Government on June 10, 2026, and is facing trial before Justice Jude Obiora on a seven-count charge bordering on alleged propagation and accumulation of wealth through supernatural means which was proscribed by the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, as well as murder, abduction, and the unlawful separation and isolation of individuals from their families and keeping them in his residence.

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