Key points

• Anambra’s new law targets fake pastors and native doctors involved in crime.

• The law outlaws dangerous practices like ritual killings and money potions.

• Traditional religious followers support the government’s efforts to stop fraud and crime.

In January 2025, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State signed the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025 into action.

This new law was created to fight crime, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and ritual killings, in the state.

The law bans harmful practices like Oke-Ite (money potions) and Ezenwanyi (wealth rituals), which many criminals use to gain wealth through illegal means.

The law also outlaws the making of charms for criminal purposes. It gives strict punishments for those who break it, including up to six years in prison or a fine of N20 million.

The law has already started showing results, with crime rates in the state improving. The Agunechemba vigilante group and the Udo Ga-Achi security operation are actively working to enforce the law.

Cracking down on fake pastors and native doctors

As part of the crackdown, the government has arrested native doctors involved in crime.

These doctors prepare dangerous charms and potions, such as Oke-Ite, which promise people wealth without hard work.

These potions are linked to ritual murders, where criminals sacrifice people or body parts to gain power or money.

The government is also targeting fake pastors who are believed to use these charms to deceive people. Some native doctors also claim to make “bulletproof” charms, which the government has proven to be fraudulent.

These charms don’t protect people from bullets, but they fool criminals into thinking they are invincible.

The government is not after traditional Igbo religious practices, but rather those who use traditional medicine and rituals for illegal purposes.

Destroying harmful charms and potions

The government plans to destroy the Oke-Ite potions and other harmful charms that have been confiscated. These items are seen as dangerous and will not be kept or used for any positive purpose.

While some native doctors have raised concerns about the law, the government remains firm in its decision to eliminate dangerous practices.

A meeting was held with 500 native doctors who generally supported the law. However, some voiced concerns about the ban on sacrifices in rivers.

The government is willing to listen to their concerns but insists that crime cannot be allowed under the cover of tradition.

Defending traditional religious rights

Some people have argued that the law violates freedom of worship, particularly for traditional religions.

The government has clarified that the law is not against traditional worship but aims to stop criminal activities disguised as religious practices.

True followers of the traditional Igbo religion have shown support for the government’s efforts to clean up the practice and remove those who use it for harm.

The government is committed to making Anambra safer and more peaceful. With the support of the people, they believe the fight against crime will succeed.