Some native doctors and traditional medicine practitioners, Ndi Dibia and Ezenwanyi in Anambra State, have protested against alleged selective justice by the state government.
They claimed that the use of Agunaechemba security operatives was a witch-hunt, anti-traditional faith, and a violation of their constitutionally-backed fundamental rights to practise the religion of their choice.
The native doctors, who gathered from various parts of the state, decried the state government's stigmatisation of their profession. They accused the government of using Agunaechemba to harass and crack down on their activities.
During the protest, they offered prayers and performed rituals to resist what they described as the governor's interference.
Speaking at a secret location, the group's leader, High Priest Ikele, described Governor Charles Soludo's actions as "unjust and discriminatory."
Ikele said, "We're not cultists or criminals. We're traditional healers serving our communities for generations. Soludo's attempts to stigmatise and suppress our activities won't succeed."
The native doctors rejected the clampdown and vowed to continue their prayers and rituals until their demands were met. They also pledged to oppose the governor's second-term bid in the November 8, 2025 election.
Meanwhile, the state government has concluded plans to prosecute arrested native doctors for alleged violations of the newly unveiled Anambra State Homeland Security Law.
Those currently in custody for allegedly promoting money rituals, including "Yahoo plus," and preparing charms for criminals include Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki; Onyebuchi Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus (Father of All Men); and Ekene Igboekweze (Eke Hit) from Okija in Ihiala Local Council.
Igboekweze, known for promoting native practices on Facebook, had reportedly criticised Nwangwu and Okocha for being easily captured by security operatives. However, he was also apprehended a few days later.
The state's Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, confirmed plans to charge the native doctors to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
He dismissed claims that Governor Soludo's administration is opposed to traditional worship.
According to Mefor, the government is focused on combating crime and addressing those who enable it, including native doctors who prepare charms for criminals.
Speaking on the state-owned Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), over the weekend, Mefor emphasised that the accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court. Upon conviction, they will be sentenced according to the provisions of the new Homeland Security Law.
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