The Anambra State Government has appealed to residents to assist in identifying pastors, churches and self-acclaimed religious leaders allegedly involved in fraud, extortion, deception and other criminal activities.
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, made the appeal in a statement issued to journalists in Awka on Sunday.
Mefor urged members of the public to report any religious figure or organisation suspected of engaging in activities that threaten public safety, disrupt community peace or exploit innocent people.
He assured residents that any information provided would be handled with strict confidentiality.
According to him, the initiative is part of the government’s broader campaign to combat criminality and ensure that both traditional worship and religious practices operate within the bounds of the law.
He explained that the effort was not aimed at suppressing genuine religious or traditional practices, but at protecting them from individuals using religion or culture as a cover for unlawful acts.
Mefor called on residents to cooperate with the government in restoring order and safeguarding communities from criminal elements masquerading as spiritual leaders.
He encouraged anyone with useful information to contact the designated lines: +2348034182108 or 5111.