AWKA, NIGERIA — The Anambra State Government has arrested a popular Nnewi-based native doctor known as “De Young Chief Priest” as part of an intensified crackdown on traditionalists suspected of preparing charms for criminals and providing spiritual fortification to armed gangs.
Security operatives apprehended the spiritualist, whose traditional title is “Aka Mmuo Mmiri Afulu Anya,” on Thursday at his office in Nnewi over alleged illegal practices connected to criminal networks operating in the region.
The arrest comes amid an ongoing campaign by Governor Charles Soludo, who has repeatedly vowed to dismantle networks of native doctors allegedly aiding kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal elements through ritual practices.
The government contends that some traditionalists produce charms claiming to make criminals bulletproof or invisible to security agencies, thereby encouraging violent crime.
Although officials have yet to release full details of the allegations, sources confirm the suspect is currently being interrogated by authorities as investigations continue into his alleged connection with criminal elements.
The development follows the recent sentencing of another controversial native doctor, Akwa Okuku Tiwaraki, who was convicted last week under a plea bargain arrangement with the Anambra State Government.
Tiwaraki’s case resulted in an 11-month prison sentence, the demolition of his shrine, and an order to publicly denounce ritual practices.
Governor Soludo, a Christian, has warned that individuals who provide spiritual backing for crimes would face the same consequences as those who commit the offences.
The government’s crackdown has elicited mixed reactions across the state. While some residents support the operation as necessary to address rising insecurity, others have raised concerns that legitimate traditional religious practices could be unfairly targeted if enforcement is not carefully handled.
Traditional religious leaders have long maintained that their practices are often misunderstood and should not be automatically associated with criminal activity.
Security sources indicate the interrogation of the Nnewi-based spiritualist is ongoing, and further arrests may follow if evidence emerges linking other individuals to criminal networks.
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