Soludo defends crackdown on native doctors

Charles Soludo has defended his administration’s ongoing crackdown on native doctors in Anambra State, insisting the move is not an attack on traditional religion but a targeted effort to curb criminal activities disguised as spiritual practice.

Speaking during a media briefing in Awka, the state capital, the governor drew a sharp line between legitimate traditional worship and what he described as “criminal idolatry,” arguing that the latter has become a cover for illegal operations that threaten public safety.

According to him, the state government fully recognises and respects the right of individuals to practise any religion of their choice, including traditional beliefs. However, he stressed that such freedoms must not infringe on the rights of others or serve as a breeding ground for crime.

“We understand traditional religion, and we respect freedom of worship,” Soludo said. “But where those practices begin to promote criminality, that is where the government must step in.”

He explained that some individuals operating as native doctors have been linked to serious crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and ritual-related activities. These, he said, are not elements of traditional religion but distortions that exploit cultural beliefs for unlawful gain.

Soludo specifically referenced practices such as “Yahoo Plus,” “Ego Mbute,” and “Oke-Ite,” which have gained notoriety in recent years. These rituals, often associated with internet fraud and quick wealth schemes, have been widely condemned for encouraging criminal behaviour among young people.

In response, the state government has intensified enforcement efforts, leading to the arrest and prosecution of several suspected offenders. The governor maintained that these actions are necessary to dismantle networks that enable crime under the guise of spirituality.

One notable case involved Chidozie Nwangwu, a popular native doctor who was sentenced to 11 months’ imprisonment by a high court in Awka over offences linked to money rituals. He had earlier been arrested by operatives of the Agunechemba security outfit on allegations including aiding kidnapping and facilitating ritual practices.

For Soludo, cases like this reinforce the urgency of the crackdown

The Governor argued that failure to act would allow harmful practices to continue spreading, ultimately undermining security and social stability in the state.

At the same time, the governor reiterated that his administration is not opposed to cultural heritage or indigenous spirituality. Instead, he framed the initiative as a necessary intervention to protect the integrity of traditional religion from being hijacked by criminal elements.

He also emphasised that the government’s responsibility extends beyond enforcement to safeguarding communities and restoring public trust. By addressing the intersection between crime and so-called spiritual practices, Soludo said the state aims to create a safer environment for residents.

Ultimately, the governor positioned the crackdown as part of a broader effort to confront evolving security challenges, particularly those linked to youth involvement in fraud and ritual-related crimes. While acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue, he insisted that decisive action is essential to prevent further abuse of cultural institutions.

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