A crackdown by the Anambra State government on traditionalists and native doctors suspected of preparing charms for criminals has intensified following the arrest of a popular Nnewi-based spiritualist known as De Young Chief Priest.
The arrest comes amid an ongoing campaign by the Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, who has repeatedly vowed to dismantle networks of native doctors allegedly aiding criminal gangs through ritual practices and spiritual fortification.
Security operatives reportedly arrested the native doctor, popularly known as “De Young Chief Priest,” whose traditional title is “Aka Mmuo Mmiri Afulu Anya,” on Thursday in his office at Nnewi over alleged illegal practices.
Sources said the suspect, who operates in Nnewi in Anambra State, is currently being interrogated by authorities as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged spiritual support provided to criminals in the region.
Although officials have yet to release full details of the allegations, the arrest is believed to be connected to the state government’s broader security operation targeting native doctors accused of preparing charms believed to embolden kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal elements.
Governor Soludo, a Christian, has in recent months intensified his administration’s campaign against criminality in the state, warning that individuals who provide spiritual backing for crimes would face the same consequences as those who commit the offences.
The government has argued that some traditionalists allegedly produce charms that claim to make criminals bulletproof or invisible to security agencies, thereby encouraging violent crime.
Authorities say the current operation aims to dismantle such networks and discourage practices believed to enable criminal activities.
The latest arrest follows the recent sentencing of another controversial native doctor, Akwa Okuku Tiwaraki, who was convicted last week under a plea bargain arrangement reached with the Anambra State government.
Tiwaraki, whose activities had drawn widespread public attention, reportedly accepted the plea agreement related to his traditional practices, bringing his legal battle with the state authorities to a close.
The development has sparked mixed reactions across the state, with some residents expressing support for the government’s crackdown on practices they believe contribute to rising insecurity.
Others, however, have raised concerns that legitimate traditional religious practices could be unfairly targeted if the enforcement is not handled carefully.
Traditional religious leaders have long argued that their practices are often misunderstood and should not be automatically linked to criminal activities.
Security sources say the interrogation of the Nnewi-based spiritualist is ongoing and further investigations may lead to additional arrests if evidence emerges linking other individuals to criminal networks.