Gov Soludo bans roadside preaching in Anambra, imposes N500,000 fine

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a strong warning to roadside preachers using loudspeakers in public spaces, especially markets, accusing them of causing noise pollution and disturbing residents.

Soludo announced that anyone found violating the noise regulation would face a fine of ₦500,000.

A viral video circulating on social media on Saturday captured the governor confronting an unidentified roadside preacher at a market, instructing him to stop disrupting traders with his preaching.

He advised the preacher to conduct his activities within a church or rent an open space where those interested could seek him out.

Speaking to traders at what is believed to be Ochanja Market in Onitsha, the governor said: “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.”