Security Forces Detain Another Traditional Healer in Anambra for Ritual Activities

Members of the Agunechemba vigilante group in Anambra State have apprehended another prominent traditional healer linked to alleged ritual activities.

The healer, identified as Johnpaul Ezenagu, also known as "Muo Mmili Afuluanya," was taken into custody on Thursday in Nnewi, situated in the Nnewi North Local Government Area.

This incident surfaces weeks after a high court in Awka handed down a 12-year prison sentence to another widely known traditional healer, Chukwudozie Nwangwu, for comparable offenses.

Upon his capture, Ezenagu asserted that he only performed sacrifices at a local river and that he had the ability to summon the river goddess in the form of a crocodile.

Vigilante members then escorted him to the river, prompting him to attempt invoking the goddess. A video obtained by this newspaper depicts Ezenagu trying to call upon the goddess at the river on Thursday.

Holding a small bell in one hand and a ‘shekere’ in the other, he endeavored to beckon to the goddess, yet this effort was unsuccessful as the armed vigilante members observed.

As time passed, the operatives instructed Ezenagu to cease his attempts. He complied but remarked quietly that the goddess may have refused to appear because he had not invoked her with a chicken.

Ken Emeakayi, the General Commander of the vigilante group, explained to reporters that Ezenagu was arrested for conducting ritual sacrifices at the river, violating the state’s Homeland Security Law. Emeakayi highlighted,

"This is the river where he performs sacrifices. He brings young men and women here, bathing them in this river with a promise of quick wealth." He further noted, "Bathing individuals in a public river constitutes an offense against the Homeland Security Law."

Emeakayi, also a special adviser to Governor Charles Soludo regarding security matters, indicated that there is recorded evidence showing Ezenagu disposing of ritual items into the river. Ezenagu will be handed over to the police for further investigation and potential prosecution.

In a statement to the media, Ezenagu requested the governor’s forgiveness, stressing his ignorance of the legality concerning sacrificial practices in rivers within the state. He affirmed his commitment not to repeat such actions in the future.

Governor Soludo remarked that his administration’s initiative against ritual practices in Anambra arose from the need to protect the state’s values and identity. During a speech in Awka for the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, he stated, "Some traditional healers and clergy deceive people, particularly the youth, by promising instant wealth without labor."

He acknowledged the freedom of religion and worship in Nigeria but differentiated between traditional spirituality and what he termed "criminal idolatry."

In January 2025, Governor Soludo enacted the Anambra State Homeland Security Bill 2025, which established the Agunechemba vigilante and prohibited charm- making for criminal purposes as well as ritual activities along public roads. This legislation targets traditional healers preparing charms for those committing crimes in the southeastern state, outlawing practices aimed at generating wealth through supernatural means. Convictions under this law may lead to a six-year prison term, a fine of 20 million Naira, or both, reflecting the government's stance on curbing rising insecurity in the region.