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The Anambra State Agunechemba Strike Force has arrested a Nnewi-based native doctor, Johnpaul Ezenagu, popularly known as “Mmuo Mmili Afulu Anya,” over allegations of performing illegal rituals and supplying counterfeit currency to internet fraudsters.
Operatives, led by Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, raided Ezenagu’s residence in Nnewi during a search operation.
During the raid, the suspect reportedly guided the team to a water shrine where the alleged rituals were conducted.
As part of efforts to verify Ezenagu’s claims of summoning a water goddess, said to appear in the form of an alligator, the native doctor performed several invocations, which reportedly produced no tangible results.
Reacting to the incident, Emeakayi condemned the activities of “fake native doctors” who mislead youths in Anambra State.
He reiterated that the Homeland Security Law is fully operational in the state, warning that anyone found culpable would be handed over to the police for prosecution.
Meanwhile, Governor Soludo has launched a major crackdown on native doctors allegedly linked to criminal activities. The state government clarified that the action targets fraudulent practitioners who promote “get-rich-quick” rituals or assist criminals, not legitimate traditional medicine or religious practices.
As part of the move, the governor signed a new homeland security law in 2025, criminalising the preparation of charms for criminals, such as “Odeshi” (allegedly making users bulletproof) and “Oke-ite” (money rituals).
The law prescribes prison terms of between six and 20 years for offenders. The government has also made registration mandatory for all native doctors, requiring them to declare the ailments they treat to prevent deceptive spiritual claims.
Authorities have already arrested several well-known practitioners, including Chukwudozie Nwangwu, Onyebuchi Okocha, and Ekene Igboekweze. Nwangwu was later sentenced to 11 months in prison, while his shrine in Oba was demolished by the state security outfit, Agunechemba, following a court order.
