By Mary Onyia
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, is taking decisive steps to curb ritual killings, criminality, and the exploitation of traditional practices under the guise of spirituality. In a move similar to that of his Anambra State counterpart, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr. Mbah has proposed a landmark piece of legislation titled the “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order” bill.
The proposed law seeks to outlaw money rituals, popularly known as ‘Okite’, and criminal bulletproof charms, locally referred to as ‘Odeshi’. It also aims to clamp down on the illegal use of forests and properties for criminal activities such as kidnapping and banditry.
Regulation of Spiritual Practices
Under Section 3(1) of the bill, all individuals who engage in the practice or rendering of spiritual services in the state—whether as native doctors, herbalists, spiritualists, chief priests, diviners, or seers—must register with a ministry, department, or agency designated by the Governor.
Practicing without registration attracts a fine ranging from ₦1 million to ₦5 million, or two years imprisonment, or both.
Section 15 criminalizes the use of charms, substances, or objects for the purpose of achieving invincibility, criminal protection, or supernatural wealth acquisition. Violators will face six years in prison or a fine of ₦5 million, or both.
Additionally, any individual who falsely claims to possess supernatural powers to gain influence or financial reward shall face three years in prison or a fine of ₦3 million, or both. Notably, the burden of proof lies on the claimant to establish the authenticity of any alleged supernatural ability during investigations.
Restrictions on Criminal Use of Religious Spaces and Forests
Under Section 16, any person who uses or knowingly permits the use of religious places for criminal activities shall face six years imprisonment or a ₦5 million fine, or both. The property will also be sealed pending the conclusion of investigations.
Section 17 prescribes 20 years imprisonment without the option of a fine for anyone involved in rituals involving human body parts, including those who facilitate or direct such acts.
Section 13 empowers security forces to arrest anyone found in a camp, bush, or forest without lawful reason and under suspicious circumstances, mandating prompt handover to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
Clampdown on Property Used for Kidnapping and Banditry
The bill also addresses the growing concern of banditry and kidnapping within forests. Any individual who owns or controls land or buildings used for kidnapping, ransom collection, or illegal detention faces 20 years imprisonment without the option of a fine.
Landowners who permit non-security personnel to reside or camp on their property—except for farming—face two years in prison without a fine, while those who fail to report suspicious use of their property risk similar penalties.
Furthermore, any property used in violation of Sections 7, 8, 9, or 10 of the proposed law shall be forfeited to the Enugu State Government, in line with the Criminal Code (Second Amendment) Law 2016.
All money, property, and proceeds from crimes such as theft, robbery, and kidnapping will also be confiscated unless a lawful and verifiable claim of ownership is made within a reasonable period.
Oversight of Security and Lodging Facilities
The legislation mandates all private security outfits to register with the state government and submit the particulars of their operations and personnel.
Presidents-general of town unions are to submit monthly security reports to local government chairpersons or a designated state agency.
Landlords and proprietors of hotels, guesthouses, and estate associations must collect and transmit valid ID, phone numbers, occupations, and work addresses of all prospective tenants and guests to the relevant authorities.
Hotel and guesthouse operators must also install surveillance cameras in public areas and regularly submit footage to designated agencies.
Violators face fines ranging from ₦500,000 for landlords to ₦1 million for hospitality businesses.
Background: A Regional Trend
Governor Mbah’s move follows the example of Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, who recently declared war on fake and dangerous native doctors involved in criminal rituals and diabolical practices.
Investigations in Anambra revealed that some native doctors were preparing charms for kidnappers and armed robbers, and engaging in suspected human sacrifice for money and protection. These activities are linked to the rise of practices such as Ego Mbute, Oke-Ite, and Yahoo Plus.
Governor Soludo emphasised that these nefarious practices are not representative of genuine traditional medicine, which continues to serve a vital and legitimate role in communities.
Governor Mbah, likewise, aims to preserve the integrity of authentic traditional healers while rooting out those exploiting cultural beliefs for crime and personal gain.