Soludo bans street preaching in Anambra, threatens N500,000 fine

Abdullateef Fowewe

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern warning to roadside preachers using loudspeakers in public areas, particularly markets.

The Governor accused them of creating noise pollution and disturbing residents.

Soludo announced that anyone found violating the state’s noise pollution regulations would be subjected to a fine of N500,000.

The Governor’s warning was captured in a viral video seen on X (formally Twitter) on Saturday.

In the video, Soludo was seen addressing an unidentified roadside preacher in a market.

He instructed the preacher to cease disturbing traders with his loud preaching.

He further advised the preacher to either conduct services inside a church or rent an open space, emphasising that those interested in listening would seek him out at such venues.

He said, “If you want to preach the word of God, go to your church. You are causing noise pollution here. You cannot come to a marketplace and disturb everyone.

“If you want to preach, go to a church. Those who want to listen will come to you; you cannot force people in the market to hear your message.

“This is a marketplace, not a church. You are violating the law. You cannot take over a public space and turn it into a church. Otherwise, you will be charged for using this space.

“You will pay ₦500,000 because we cannot allow this. We have banned loudspeakers in markets due to noise pollution, which affects people’s eardrums. You cannot force people to listen to your preaching. We are cracking down on fake pastors and prophets in Anambra.”