A chaotic scene unfolded at the Anambra State High Court in Awka on Tuesday when supporters of Pastor Harrison Anazodo, the General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, allegedly assaulted journalists and cameramen. The incident occurred as the pastor arrived at the court for his trial presided over by Justice Jude Obiora.

Pastor Anazodo has been in legal trouble since his arrest on June 10, 2026, facing serious charges including the alleged accumulation of wealth through supernatural means, murder, abduction, and unlawful isolation of individuals from their families. These allegations fall under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law of 2025.

Eyewitnesses reported that as the pastor approached the court, his supporters used umbrellas and their bodies to block cameras, forcefully pushing journalists away from the vehicle transporting him. This altercation resulted in damage to the mobile phones of at least two journalists present at the scene.

Inside the courtroom, the pastor's supporters crowded the area, leaving little space for other attendees who wished to observe the proceedings. This aggressive behavior drew immediate attention from the state's Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, who condemned the actions of the pastor's supporters.

Nweke stated, "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 journalists and damaged their gadgets." He emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the courtroom and the need to respect journalists, who play a crucial role in informing the public.

Following the incident, Nweke informed the court, requesting that the matter be officially recorded in the proceedings. He also indicated that he would escalate the issue to law enforcement authorities. In a subsequent development, the pastor's legal counsel issued an apology to the journalists and the court, accepting responsibility for the damaged equipment.

The court acknowledged the apology and ordered that the damaged gadgets be replaced. Additionally, it reaffirmed the principle of press freedom, ensuring that future proceedings would remain open to the public and the media. Nweke warned that any further incidents of harassment against journalists could lead to the trial being conducted in private.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the trial of Pastor Anazodo and raises questions about the treatment of media personnel in high-profile court cases. As the legal proceedings continue, the commitment to uphold journalistic integrity and public access to information remains paramount.