Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested a traditional preacher, Mr Mathias Ezeaku in Nkpor, near Onitsha, Anambra State.
Ezeaku who operates what he refers to as a traditional worship centre has been critical of the Christian religion, and also criticized a lot of known pastors, referring to him as fake.
The preacher was arrested on Sunday morning by men in police uniforms as he arrived at his worship centre.
A video trending on social media showed Ezeaku resisting arrest, and his members also putting up stiff resistance.
The incident led to sporadic gunshot by the operatives, leaving one of the members of the centre shot in the leg.
A message which Ezeaku had posted on his Facebook handle early on Sunday morning, urging his members to join him for worship read: “Don’t forget to join us today as we adore and uplifts the name of our ancestors and creator Chukwuokikeabiama.
“Time is 9am at Amafor Town Hall Nkpor opposite new type market Enugu Onitsha express way.”
Some members of the centre protested the arrest of Ezeaku, and also traced his arresters to Police Annex in Awkuzu, where they identified some of the operatives involved in the operation. They decried his arrest, saying that the operatives could not show any arrest warrant or even identify themselves properly.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Police Command has denied knowledge of his arrest.
Spokesman of the state police command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga told THE RAZOR that he was unaware of the arrest of such person. He however promised to get back to us once it is confirmed.
