Police in Anambra State have apprehended a Nnewi-based native doctor, Johnpaul Ezenagu, widely known as “Mmuo Mmili Afulu Anya,” on allegations of performing illegal rituals and supplying counterfeit currency to internet fraudsters.
The arrest was carried out by the chemba Strike Force”, led by Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser on Community Security to Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
During the operation, security operatives raided Ezenagu’s residence and were guided by him to a water shrine where the alleged rituals took place.
The command said Ezenagu performed several invocations, reportedly to summon a water goddess believed to appear as an alligator, but no tangible results were observed.
Emeakayi condemned the activities of “fake native doctors” who mislead youths, emphasizing that the state’s Homeland Security Law is active and violators will face prosecution.
Governor Soludo has intensified efforts to curb criminal activities linked to fraudulent practitioners.
The new law, enacted in 2025, criminalises charms prepared for criminal purposes, such as “Odeshi” and “Oke-ite,” and mandates registration for all native doctors to prevent deceptive spiritual claims.
The state has previously arrested several well-known practitioners, including Chukwudozie Nwangwu, Onyebuchi Okocha, and Ekene Igboekweze.
Nwangwu received an 11-month prison sentence, and his shrine in Oba was demolished by Agunechemba following a court order.
The command have reiterated that legitimate traditional medicine and religious practices are not targeted, only fraudulent activities that exploit citizens or aid criminal networks.
