The Anambra State government has confirmed the ongoing detention and investigation of native doctors suspected of engaging in fraudulent and criminal activities, particularly "get-rich-quick" schemes associated with "Okeite" practices.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said security agencies are conducting thorough investigations into the detained individuals, stressing that those found guilty will face the full weight of the law.
Mefor noted that the move aligns with the 2025 Homeland Law, which seeks to rid the state of criminal elements and regulate traditional medicine practices. He clarified that the government is documenting traditional medicine practitioners but not registering or issuing practice certificates to them.
The commissioner added that the decision was reaffirmed during Monday's State Executive Council meeting, where other key development projects were approved.
"The Anambra State government is committed to sanitising the practice of traditional medicine and ensuring that individuals who exploit unsuspecting residents for fraudulent purposes are brought to justice. Thorough investigations are ongoing, and those found culpable will be prosecuted accordingly," the statement read.
As part of its broader development agenda, the state government approved the construction of the Nzam headquarters road in Anambra West Local Government Area at a cost of N801.5 million. The project, awarded to Kanubeen Construction Ltd., is expected to be completed in six weeks.
Additionally, the council approved N48.5 million for the construction of staff offices, an examination hall, and a laboratory building at Urban Boys Secondary School, Fegge, Onitsha South LGA. The contract was awarded to Harriets Millennium Estate Nigeria Ltd.
The government also approved requests from various communities for the takeover of their community-built secondary schools. These schools will be upgraded to meet public school standards, while their teachers will be integrated into the state's teaching workforce.
Mefor further disclosed that the State Executive Council instructed communities documenting non-indigenes to do so without imposing charges, emphasizing that the process should be regarded as a social responsibility rather than a revenue-generating venture.
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