Video shows moment Gov Soludo banned preaching in public places, announced fine for violators

On Saturday, March 8, the governor of Anambra State announced a ban on preaching in public places including streets and markets across the state.

The governor said that preachers who visit market places, public transportation facilities among others are constituting nuisance in the state.

He also announced that anyone caught flouting the state’s noise pollution order would be made to pay a fine of N500,000 to the state’s coffers.

In a video trending a social media, the governor was captured addressing some residents of the state and roadside preachers when he gave the stern warning.

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.

Further advising the preachers who engage in such activity go their their churches to spread the word of God as they deem fit, he said it is unfair to force people to listen to their preaching.

“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 N500,000 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,” Soludo said in the video.

Preaching in public places like markets is a crime and you can be arrested as it is noise pollution says Gov. Soludo pic.twitter.com/6Dcjf57bqc

— anambra diaries (@anambra_diaries) March 8, 2025