Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has announced that all ‘Okite’ pots seized from native doctors in the state will undergo forensic analysis. He warned that if traces of human blood are detected, the owners will face severe legal consequences.
Governor Soludo made this declaration during a press briefing in Awka, the state capital, emphasizing the government’s commitment to eradicating ritualistic practices and related criminal activities. The recent crackdown has led to the arrest of over 30 native doctors and pastors, who are currently under investigation for their alleged involvement in various illicit activities, including kidnapping, internet fraud (commonly known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo’), and ritual killings.
The ‘Okite’ pots, believed to possess supernatural properties, are traditionally used by some native doctors to protect individuals engaged in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and cyber fraud. These pots are purported to grant invincibility, allowing perpetrators to evade security checks and law enforcement. However, Governor Soludo highlighted that this belief often leads to false assurances, resulting in many youths facing imprisonment both locally and internationally.
Addressing the issue, Governor Soludo stated, “Many Okite are now in our custody, and the only thing that can save their owners is if forensic tests show no traces of human blood.” He further criticized the native doctors for exploiting vulnerable youths, leading them down a path of crime under the guise of spiritual protection.
He said, “Many Oke-ite are now in our custody, and the only thing that can save their owners is if forensic tests show no traces of human blood.
“They made Oke-ite for these youths, assuring them they could pass security checkpoints undetected with hard drugs.
“But once caught, they end up in jail worldwide. When that failed, they turned to cyber fraud, and when that too failed, they became kidnappers in search of easy money,” the governor noted.
The governor also revealed that investigations have uncovered a network where native doctors and pastors collaborate to mislead youths. Initially, these individuals provided ‘Okite’ pots to youths involved in drug trafficking, assuring them of undetectable passage through security checkpoints. When drug trafficking faced increased scrutiny, some turned to cyber fraud, and eventually, kidnapping, in pursuit of easy money.
Governor Soludo reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to restoring law and order in Anambra State. He assured residents that the government will continue to combat criminal activities, particularly those rooted in ritualistic practices, and will not relent in bringing perpetrators to justice. The ongoing investigations and forensic analyses are part of a broader strategy to cleanse the state of criminal elements and safeguard the future of its youth.
The Anambra State government’s decisive actions have been met with support from various quarters, including community leaders and concerned citizens, who have long decried the influence of ritualistic practices on the state’s youth.
In a related development, security operatives arrested a native doctor from northern Nigeria who allegedly fortified criminals involved in various illicit activities. The suspect is currently in custody, and authorities are conducting further interrogations to identify his clients and dismantle the broader network facilitating these criminal endeavors.