A few months ago, I penned a column condemning the nefarious and reprehensible activities of fake religious leaders who exploit unsuspecting worshippers through deception, manipulation and false promises. I revisit the subject today in support of the bold steps being taken by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo to confront religious charlatanism and protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
The recent action taken by the governor against eight individuals accused of masquerading as pastors and exploiting unsuspecting members of the public has once again brought to the fore a disturbing phenomenon that has festered in Nigeria for far too long.
The suspected “men of graspingness” (MOG), as opposed to genuine “men of God” (MOG), were arraigned under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law as part of the government’s campaign against persons alleged to be using religion as a cover for exploitation and criminality. Whether the courts eventually convict or acquit them is a matter for the judicial process.
Nevertheless, the development has rekindled an important national conversation about the proliferation of religious impostors who have turned faith into a lucrative enterprise.
For many years, Nigeria has witnessed an alarming increase in self-proclaimed prophets, apostles, evangelists, bishops and pastors whose primary objective appears not to be the salvation of souls but the accumulation of wealth.
Armed with little more than persuasive tongues, theatrical performances and a deep understanding of human vulnerability, they have transformed religion into one of the most profitable ventures in the country.
The activities of these religious merchants have inflicted enormous damage on society. Under the guise of divine inspiration, they prey on the fears, hopes and desperation of ordinary Nigerians. They promise miraculous healing for terminal illnesses, instant solutions to chronic poverty, supernatural promotions, visas, contracts, marriage partners and miraculous financial breakthroughs.
In many cases, vulnerable worshippers are persuaded to part with their life savings, pensions, salaries and valuable possessions in exchange for promises that never materialise.
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this phenomenon is the staging of fake miracles. Across the country, numerous allegations have emerged over the years involving supposed healings, miraculous resurrections, prophecies and deliverance sessions that later turned out to be carefully orchestrated performances. Such practices not only exploit the gullible but also undermine the credibility of genuine religious institutions and sincere clerics who labour faithfully in the service of God and humanity.
The damage goes beyond financial exploitation. Many families have been torn apart by questionable doctrines propagated by unscrupulous religious leaders. Husbands have been accused of witchcraft by their wives. Wives have been labelled agents of darkness by their husbands. Children have been abandoned because a self-styled prophet declared them possessed by evil spirits and in some cases, victims were killed as instructed by these fraudulent and manipulative religious leaders.
In some cases, individuals suffering from medical conditions have been discouraged from seeking proper healthcare because they were assured that prayer alone would cure their ailments. Tragically, some paid for such deception with their lives.
Another dangerous trend is the promotion of a get-rich-quick mentality. Certain preachers have elevated materialism to the status of theology. Hard work, discipline, education and enterprise are increasingly being overshadowed by promises of overnight prosperity through sowing “special seeds” and making extraordinary financial sacrifices to the church. As a result, many young people have become conditioned to believe that success comes not through diligence but through magical intervention.
This toxic prosperity culture has contributed significantly to the erosion of societal values. It has encouraged greed, impatience and the obsession with sudden wealth. In a nation already grappling with corruption, fraud and economic hardship, such teachings only worsen an already precarious situation. When religious leaders glorify wealth without questioning its source, society inevitably begins to celebrate affluence while ignoring integrity.
Equally disturbing are allegations that some fake pastors collaborate with criminal elements. Security agencies in different parts of the country have, from time to time, uncovered instances where individuals posing as spiritual leaders allegedly provided protection charms, spiritual assurances or psychological reinforcement to criminals. While such allegations must always be investigated and proven through due process, they underscore the need for vigilance and accountability within the religious sector.
The challenge is not unique to Nigeria. Rwanda has, over the years, embarked on a controversial but determined effort to regulate places of worship. Thousands of churches were reportedly shut down for failing to meet legal, safety and operational requirements.
The Rwandan government argued that the measures were necessary to protect citizens from exploitation and ensure that places of worship operated within acceptable standards. Reports indicate that many closures were linked to non-compliance with health, safety and regulatory provisions.
While Nigeria’s democratic environment differs significantly from Rwanda’s, there are valuable lessons to be learnt. Freedom of worship is a fundamental constitutional right, but freedom does not imply the absence of accountability.
Every sector of society is subject to regulation. Schools are regulated; banks are regulated; hospitals are regulated; the mass media are also regulated. There is therefore nothing inherently wrong with establishing reasonable standards for religious organisations, provided such measures do not infringe upon legitimate religious freedoms.
What is required is a balanced approach. The objective should not be the persecution of religion or the harassment of genuine clerics. Rather, it should be the protection of citizens from fraud, exploitation and abuse perpetrated under the cloak of spirituality.
This is why the actions reportedly being undertaken in Anambra State deserve careful consideration. If indeed individuals are staging miracles, extorting money from worshippers, promoting criminality or making fraudulent claims, the law should take its course. No profession, institution or religious office should place anyone above accountability.
The challenge is particularly urgent in Edo State and across Nigeria. Hardly a week passes without reports of bizarre religious claims, miracle advertisements or prophecies designed to manipulate public emotions. Billboards promising supernatural wealth adorn major highways.
Social media platforms are awash with sensational testimonies and miraculous claims that often defy logic and scrutiny. Meanwhile, many citizens continue to sink deeper into poverty while enriching those who claim to possess exclusive access to divine blessings.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should therefore initiate conversations on how to address the excesses of fraudulent religious operators. This does not mean embarking on a witch-hunt against churches or religious organisations. Rather, it means strengthening laws against fraud, enforcing existing regulations and ensuring that those who exploit citizens under any guise are held accountable.
Professional bodies and umbrella Christian organisations like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) also have an important role to play. Genuine church leaders must not remain silent while charlatans tarnish the image of Christianity. Self-regulation within the religious community can significantly complement government efforts. Religious organisations should establish clear ethical standards and disciplinary mechanisms for members who engage in deceptive practices.
The media, too, have a responsibility. Journalists must continue to investigate and expose fraudulent activities wherever they occur. Sensational claims should not be reported uncritically. Extraordinary assertions require evidence. The press must resist the temptation to become a platform for promoting deception and instead serve as a watchdog for the public interest.
Citizens themselves must exercise greater discernment. Education remains one of the most effective antidotes to manipulation. Nigerians must learn to question extraordinary claims and demand evidence before surrendering their money, dignity and independence to self-proclaimed spiritual authorities. Faith should not require the abandonment of reason.
The true essence of religion is moral transformation, compassion, service and spiritual growth. It is not a theatrical performance designed to enrich a few individuals at the expense of many. Genuine men and women of God do not exploit the vulnerable. They uplift them. They do not manipulate fear; they inspire hope. They do not commercialise spirituality; they exemplify integrity.
Nigeria’s future depends not only on economic reforms and political leadership but also on the moral health of its institutions. Religion occupies a central place in the lives of millions of Nigerians. It therefore carries enormous influence and responsibility. Allowing fraudulent religious operators to flourish unchecked is a disservice to both faith and society.
The time has come to separate genuine spirituality from organised deception. The temple must be cleansed of charlatans who have transformed faith into a marketplace. Government, religious leaders, the media and citizens must work together to restore integrity, accountability and credibility to the religious space.
If this is done, Nigeria will not only protect its citizens from exploitation but also preserve the sanctity of religion itself. And that is a cause worthy of national support.
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Dr. Odaro, a columnist, lectures in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi.