The Anambra high court sitting in Awka has denied bail to an alleged fake Pastor and General Overseer of Day Spring Assembly, Mr Harrison Anazodo, who is accused of marrying 50 women. Anazodo had applied for bail on health grounds, but the presiding Judge, Hon Justice Jude Obiora, denied him bail. The judge's decision was based on the fact that seven persons believed to be members of his church have lined up to testify against him.
State Counsel Victoria Ekwerekwu expressed gratitude to Governor Charles Soludo for trying to sanitize the society from pastors who deceive the younger generation into believing that making money without hard work exists. She stated that there is a prima facie case against Anazodo, and it is left for them to prove it beyond reasonable doubt. The court has adjourned the matter to October 16th this year.
The Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, expressed optimism that the matter would be dispensed with in due time, adding that it is left for the court to decide. He assured that justice would be done and seen to have been done. The court proceedings were attended by supporters of Anazodo, who caused a mild drama by attacking journalists and cameramen while trying to smuggle him into the courtroom.
The supporters, who covered Anazodo with umbrellas and their hands to shield him from cameras, pushed journalists with the vehicle that conveyed him as it reversed to the entrance door of the court. Some journalists reportedly 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.
The Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, condemned the incident, stating that the court premises and the courtroom are hallowed places, and journalists are the eyes and ears of the public and must be respected at all times. He reported the incident to the court and indicated that he would escalate it to law enforcement authorities.
According to the Attorney-General, counsel to the defendant apologized to him, to members of the press, and to the court, and accepted the condition to replace the damaged gadgets. The court delivered a bench ruling accepting the apology, directing that the gadgets be replaced, and appealing to him to let the matter rest.
The case against Anazodo is ongoing, with seven witnesses set to testify against him. The court's decision to deny him bail was based on the potential interference with the witnesses. The matter is set to continue on October 16th this year.
Key points
- - The Anambra high court has denied bail to alleged fake Pastor Harrison Anazodo. - Anazodo is accused of marrying 50 women and has seven witnesses set to testify against him. - The court proceedings were marred by a mild drama caused by Anazodo's supporters.
