Court fails to grant ‘fake’ pastor bail in Anambra

An Awka High Court in Anambra has denied bail to the General Overseer of Day Spring Assembly, Mr Harrison Anazodo, who is standing trial over alleged offences.

Anazodo had applied for bail on health grounds.

Ruling on the application on Tuesday, the presiding judge, Justice Jude Obiora, declined to grant the request, citing concerns over possible interference with witnesses in the case.

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About seven persons believed to be members of the church congregation are expected to testify in the matter.

The court subsequently adjourned the case until October 16 for further proceedings.

Speaking after the ruling, the state counsel, Victoria Ekwerekwu, commended the state government for its efforts to tackle practices she said could mislead young people.

She said there was a prima facie case against Anazodo, but added that the prosecution would still be required to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.

“We thank Governor Charles Soludo for trying to sanitise our society from pastors who go to make the younger generation believe that making money without hard work exists,” she said.

According to her, “Today there is a prima facie case against the fake Pastor that is standing trial, Mr Harrison Anazodo, though it is left for us to prove it beyond reasonable doubt.”

She explained that the court denied the bail application because of concerns relating to the witnesses and adjourned the matter until October 16.

The state Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, said the government was hopeful that the case would be resolved within a reasonable time, stressing that the final decision rested with the court.

“We have been here since 9 am and the ruling on the bail applications applied by his Counsel and after weighing the merit of that application, the Judge said the bail is denied,” Mefor said.

He added, “We are looking for the quick dispensation of the matter and we assure you that justice would be done and seen to have been done.”