Abuja, NIGERIA — The Anambra State Government has announced its intentions to prosecute several detained native doctors, including the well-known Chidozie Nwangwu Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, under the newly enacted Anambra State Homeland Security Law. This development marks escalation in the state’s efforts to curb criminal activities allegedly linked to traditional practices, with the potential for long prison sentences and the seizure of assets.
The charges against the accused, who include prominent figures in the native doctor community such as Onye Eze Jesus and Eke Hit, center around accusations of involvement in illicit money ritual practices, suspected ties to drug dealers, and providing charms for kidnappers and armed robbers. These actions, which have been linked to a rise in violent crime across the State, have prompted an aggressive response from state authorities.
If convicted, the individuals involved face up to 20 years in prison, a sentence that highlights the severity of the state’s crackdown. The government is also pushing for the confiscation of assets, including properties such as hotels, which are believed to have been used in facilitating these illegal activities. These measures underline the state’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks that operate under the guise of traditional practices.
The crackdown, spearheaded by Governor Charles Soludo in December 2024, has already led to the arrest of around many native doctors, with Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki being one of the most high-profile figures detained. The operation, executed by the state’s security outfit, Agunechemba, is part of a broader strategy to combat a rise in criminal activities that have destabilized parts of Anambra and other neighboring states.
Governor Soludo’s administration has made it clear that the arrests and investigations are only the beginning of an extensive effort to rid the state of criminal practices that often hide under the cloak of tradition.
Speaking recently, the Governor said, “Anambra is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all its citizens. While we respect our culture and traditions, we will not tolerate criminal activity disguised as ancestral practice. The law will take its course.”
The Anambra State Executive Council has reinforced that thorough investigations are underway. They emphasized that those found guilty of participating in criminal acts would face the full force of the law. This includes possible charges for their alleged role in perpetuating violence and enabling organized crime.
While the government’s actions have garnered praise from some quarters, the move has also ignited widespread debate about the balance between tradition and the rule of law.
Supporters of the native doctors argue that the crackdown could infringe on religious and cultural practices that have existed for centuries, pointing out that not all native doctors are involved in criminal activities.
One traditional practitioner, who wished to remain anonymous, voiced concerns about the broader implications of the crackdown. “What the government is doing could send the wrong message. While we condemn any form of criminality, it is important to recognize that not all native doctors are involved in these practices. This could lead to the unjust stigmatization of an entire profession.”
However, proponents of the law argue that the actions of a few should not tarnish the reputation of traditional medicine as a whole.
“The criminal activities that have been associated with some native doctors cannot be ignored,” said a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
“The government is simply doing what is necessary to protect its citizens and ensure that those who break the law are held accountable.”
As the investigation progresses, the legal landscape for native doctors in Anambra may face significant changes. The implications of the state’s actions will not only affect the individuals involved but could also have far-reaching consequences for the relationship between traditional practices and modern legal systems in Nigeria.
For now, all eyes are on Anambra’s justice system, as the government seeks to make an example of those who it claims have used traditional practices as a cover for heinous crimes. The outcome of these cases could shape the future of how traditional medicine is practiced in Nigeria, particularly in relation to modern-day crime-fighting efforts.
With native doctors like Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, Onye Eze Jesus, and Eke Hit now facing the possibility of decades behind bars, the Anambra State Government’s tough stance on crime is clear. However, it remains to be seen whether the prosecution of these figures will have the intended effect of deterring criminal activities or further inflame tensions between traditional practitioners and the state.