Anambra Govt Arrests Native Doctor Accused of Luring Youths With Ritual Wealth

Anambra Govt Arrests Native Doctor Accused of Luring Youths With Ritual Wealth

The Anambra State Government has paraded John Paul Ezenagu, a native doctor based in Nnewi, over alleged violations of the state’s Homeland Security Law linked to ritual practices and activities authorities say could endanger public safety.

Ezenagu, popularly known as “Mmou Mmili Afulu Anya,” was presented by officials of the state government as part of ongoing efforts to enforce the security law and curb practices believed to encourage criminal behaviour and ritual activities in communities across Anambra.

During the operation, government officials and security operatives also took the suspect to his residence in Nnewi, where a search of the premises was conducted.

According to Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, the native doctor allegedly used spiritual claims to lure young people with promises of quick wealth and supernatural prosperity.

Emeakayi said the suspect allegedly encouraged young men and women to bathe in a stream located behind his house as part of rituals that he claimed would bring them fortune.

He explained that the practice violates provisions of the Anambra Homeland Security Law, which prohibits activities capable of promoting ritual practices, fraudulent spiritual claims or acts that may endanger public safety.

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According to him, authorities had previously cautioned Ezenagu over the alleged activities, but he reportedly continued the practice despite the warnings.

“The suspect had earlier been warned to stop the activities, but he continued engaging in the same practices that lure youths with promises of instant wealth,” Emeakayi said.

He added that after preliminary investigations, the suspect would be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation, which will determine whether he will face prosecution under the law.

The Anambra government has in recent months intensified a crackdown on ritual practices, fraudulent spiritual activities, and other forms of criminal behaviour believed to contribute to insecurity in the state.

Governor Soludo’s administration has repeatedly warned individuals promoting ritual wealth, occult practices and criminal spiritual activities that they risk arrest and prosecution under the state’s security laws.

Speaking during an interview with Anambra Broadcasting Service, Ezenagu apologised for his actions and appealed for forgiveness from the governor, the state government and residents.

He said he was unaware that his activities violated the law.

“I plead with the governor and the people of Anambra State to forgive me. I did not know that what I was doing was against the law,” he said.

Ezenagu also claimed that he had dredged the stream behind his house and believed he had rights over it, insisting that he did not intend to commit any offence.

The suspect promised not to repeat the act.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing as part of broader efforts by the state government to curb ritual-related activities and criminal practices across Anambra communities.

Anambra Govt Arrests Native Doctor Accused of Luring Youths With Ritual Wealth