Anambra Government Intensifies Crackdown on Native Doctors, Arrests Popular Nnewi Spiritualist

Security operatives in Anambra State have arrested a well-known native doctor based in Nnewi as part of the state government’s ongoing crackdown on traditionalists allegedly involved in providing spiritual support to criminal gangs.

The suspect, popularly known as De Young Chief Priest, with the traditional title “Aka Mmuo Mmiri Afulu Anya,” was taken into custody on Thursday at his office in Nnewi over alleged illegal practices. Sources confirm that he is currently being interrogated by authorities as investigations continue into his alleged connection with criminal elements in the region.

The arrest forms part of a broader security operation championed by Governor Charles Soludo, who has repeatedly vowed to dismantle networks of native doctors accused of aiding kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminals through ritual practices and spiritual fortification.

Governor Soludo, a Christian, has in recent months intensified his administration’s campaign against criminality, warning that individuals who provide spiritual backing for crimes would face the same consequences as those who commit the offences. The government contends that some traditionalists produce charms allegedly claiming to make criminals bulletproof or invisible to security agencies, thereby encouraging violent crime.

Although officials have yet to release full details of the allegations against De Young Chief Priest, his arrest is believed to be connected to the state government’s determination to root out practices believed to enable criminal activities.

The development follows the recent sentencing of another controversial native doctor, Akwa Okuku Tiwaraki, who was convicted last week under a plea bargain arrangement with the Anambra State government. Tiwaraki reportedly accepted the plea agreement related to his traditional practices, bringing his legal battle with the state authorities to a close.

The government’s crackdown has elicited mixed reactions across the state. While some residents have expressed support for the operation, viewing it as a necessary step to address rising insecurity, others have raised concerns that legitimate traditional religious practices could be unfairly targeted if enforcement is not carefully handled.

Traditional religious leaders have long maintained that their practices are often misunderstood and should not be automatically associated with criminal activity.

Security sources indicate that the interrogation of the Nnewi-based spiritualist is ongoing, and further arrests may follow if evidence emerges linking other individuals to criminal networks.