Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested a traditional preacher, Mr Mathias Ezeaku in Nkpor, near Onitsha.
Ezeaku, who operates what he refers to as a traditional worship centre, has been critical of the Christian religion. He has been criticizing a lot of known pastors, referring to them 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 gunshots by the operatives. One of the members of the centre was 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 uplift the name of our ancestors and creator Chukwuokikeabiama.
“Time is 9am at Amafor Town Hall Nkpor opposite New Type Market Enugu Onitsha Expressway.”
Some members of the centre protested the arrest of Ezeaku, marching to Police Annex in Awkuzu, where they identified some of the operatives involved in the operation. They decried the arrest, saying that the operatives could not show any arrest warrant or even identify themselves properly.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has denied knowledge of the preacher’s arrest.
Spokesman of the Police Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said he was unaware of the arrest.
