Pastor Azodo Pleads Not Guilty To Murder, Child Trafficking, Others In Amended 8-Count Charge

By Joseph Egbeocha |Ichie Times

The General Overseer of Dayspring Assembly, Awada, Obosi, Harrison Anazodo, has pleaded not guilty to the amended eight-count charge brought against him by the Anambra State Government, after which the court presided over by Justice Jude Obiorah adjourned the matter to 30th October, 2nd and 16th November for definite hearing.

In count one of the charges, Anazodo is said to have on or before the month of February 2025 at Awada-Obosi, under the guise of a pastor, did propagate the accumulation of wealth to one of his member, Ebuka Okanu, by supernatural means, which is not a known lawful means of livelihood.

In count two, Anazodo is accused of, on or about the year 2024 at Awada, unlawful killing one Victoria Aneke whose corpse is still in his possession till date.

In count three, the accused is standing trial for allegedly, on or before the year 2004 at Awada, unlawfully taking one Wisdom Chukwuma, a male child of 5 years, from his parents and giving the said child as a slave to one Simon Ugwuoke, now at large.

In count four, Azodo is standing trial for unlawfully isolating and separating one Mrs Rachael Nlebedum from her family around 2017 and keeping her in his residence.

In count five, defendant is also standing trial for, on or before the year 2017 at Mbaukwu in Awka South Local Government Area of the state, unlawfully isolating and separating one Mrs Comfort Ekwunife from her family and keeping her in his residence.

In count six, Anazodo is facing trial for, on or before the year 2017 at Awada, unlawfully isolating and separating one Mrs Comfort Obetta from her family and keeping her in his residence.

In count seven, Azodo is standing trial for, on or before the year 2017 at Awada, unlawfully isolating and separating one Mrs Faith Chukwuma from her family and keeping her in his residence.

Count eight reads that Anazodo, on or before the year 2017 at Awada, did unlawfully isolate and separate one Mrs Chukwuka Ezeaonochie Igwe from her family and kept her in his residence, and thereby committed an offence.

Chineze Ononye-Ekwerekwu, Chief State Counsel, Anambra State Ministry of Justice, is the Prosecuting Counsel for the state, while Emeka Anaenugwu, SAN, is now the Lead Counsel for the defendant.