The senatorial aspirant for Abia Central District under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, has been arrested and arraigned by the Anambra State Government over alleged involvement in fake prophecies and staged miracles.

Nwankpa, an indigene of Abia State and Bishop of an Onitsha-based Pentecostal church, was arraigned before the Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka alongside seven other Christian clerics accused of allegedly conducting fake miracles and misleading members of the public through questionable religious practices.

Reacting to the development, the media aide to the cleric, Stanley Nduagu, condemned the arrest and prosecution of the bishop, insisting that Nwankpa had maintained a clean record throughout more than 25 years of ministry.

According to Nduagu, the allegations against the cleric were baseless and unsupported by evidence, describing the action of the state government as unfair and targeted.

Some kinsmen of the bishop from Isiala Ngwa area of Abia State also expressed concern over the arrest and called for his immediate release.

One of the indigenes, Ngozi Ahunanya, accused the Anambra State Government of allegedly waging war against Christianity and traditional religious practices in the state.

Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Assembly candidate for Arochukwu Constituency, Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya, condemned the arrest of Bishop Nwankpa, describing the action as unnecessary harassment of Christian clerics and worshippers.

The Anambra State Government is yet to issue further details regarding the specific charges filed against the clerics as proceedings continue before the court.