The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has transmitted an Executive Bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly aimed at regulating the activities of native doctors, herbalists, and related persons in the state.
The proposed legislation, entitled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order,” seeks to outlaw money rituals, criminal bulletproof charms, and the illegal use or occupation of forests and properties for criminal activities.
According to the bill, every person engaged in spiritual services in the state must be registered with the ministry, department, or agency designated by the governor.
“Every person, who engages in the practice or rendering of spiritual services within the state, whether as a native doctor, herbalist, spiritualist, chief priest, diviner, seer, or by any other traditional or spiritual title or designation, shall be registered with the ministry, department or agency (MDA) of the state as may be designated by the Governor for that purpose,” the bill reads.
Practicing without registration will attract a fine of not less than N1million and not more than N5million or two-year imprisonment or both.
This move is aimed at checkmating charlatans and unscrupulous individuals who claim supernatural powers to deceive and exploit the public.
The bill also targets money rituals and criminal bulletproof charms. Section 15 of the proposed legislation provides, “Any person who, under the guise of spiritual or traditional practice, administers or causes to be administered any charm, substance, or object on or for another person, for the purpose of invincibility and other forms of protection to facilitate the commission of any criminal offence; or acquiring wealth or benefits by supernatural means outside any lawful means of livelihood, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of six (6) years or to a fine of not less than five million naira (N5,000,000), or both.”
Furthermore, the bill prescribes six years of imprisonment or a fine of N5 million or both against anyone who uses or knowingly permits the use of any religious place for the commission or facilitation of a crime. Additionally, anyone involved in rituals or traditional practices using human parts will face twenty years imprisonment without the option of a fine.
The bill also places responsibility on property owners who allow their land or buildings to be used for kidnapping or banditry. “Any person who owns, occupies, or has control over any land or building… and knowingly allows it to be used as a camp, hideout, or base for kidnapping, the unlawful detention of victims, the collection of ransom, or for any other activity connected to kidnapping or banditry, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years without the option of a fine,” the bill states.
Moreover, private security outfits are mandated to register with the state government, providing particulars of armed security operatives employed or deployed by them. Presidents-general of town unions are also required to submit security reports to local government council chairmen or any other department designated by the government.
Landlords and proprietors of hotels and guest houses are also required to obtain and transmit valid means of identification, phone number, occupation, and place of work of their prospective tenants and guests to relevant authorities. Proprietors of hotels and other lodging facilities shall install surveillance cameras within public areas to record and submit records of activities to relevant authorities.
The bill prescribes penalties for contravention, including fines and imprisonment. For instance, landlords who fail to comply will face a fine of not less than N500,000, while proprietors of hotels and guest houses will face a fine of N1 million.
On May 28, SaharaReporters reported how the police rescued a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly kidnapped for ritual murder in Umuojor village, Ishiagu community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Command’s spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe, had in a statement explained that the operation was carried out in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch personnel and vigilant community members and arrested three suspects in connection with crime.
Giving details, Ndukwe gave the names of the suspects arrested as – Uche Kingsley Agumba, 33; Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi, 36; and Ejike Odinwankpa, 38. However, the prime suspect, High Chief Levi Onyeka Obu, also known as “Ezeani” and “E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show,” a native doctor and prominent member of the community, fled the scene and is currently at large.
“During the rescue operation, two decomposing bodies, one male and one female, were discovered buried in a concrete-sealed pit within an uncompleted building owned by the prime suspect,” Ndukwe said. Adding that investigations revealed that the victims were recently murdered and buried in the pit for ritual purposes.