ENUGU DECLARES WAR ON DARK SPIRITUAL PRACTICES WITH TOUGH NEW LAW

In a sweeping move to clean up the spiritual underworld fueling insecurity across Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah has introduced a powerful new law designed to curb the spread of sinister practices like money rituals and bulletproof fortifications, locally known as okite and odeshi.

The bill, aptly titled “Maintenance of Public Order and Internal Security Law”, is currently before the State House of Assembly and is already sending shockwaves through traditional circles.

NO MORE FREE RIDE FOR HERBALISTS AND SEERS

Under this proposed law, native doctors, spiritualists, traditional healers, and their ilk must now formally register with the government before they can continue their operations.

Gone are the days of shadowy backroom rituals. Now, it’s either registration or repercussion.

Those who dodge the government’s new spiritual radar face:

Fines between ₦1 million and ₦5 million

Up to two years in prison

Or both, depending on the offense

This crackdown is aimed at dismantling the dark economy of ritual syndicates that often lure in vulnerable youths with promises of wealth, invincibility, or charm-backed immunity from bullets.

DABBLING IN HUMAN SACRIFICE? SAY HELLO TO 20 YEARS BEHIND BARS

The bill doesn’t stop at licensing. It dives deep into ritual criminality, setting harsh punishments for any act involving human body parts, blood, or sacrifice-related items. Convicted offenders could spend up to 20 years behind bars.

TARGETING THE ROOTS OF CRIME

This law is part of Governor Mbah’s larger strategy to uproot criminal networks, especially those tied to cultism, kidnappings, and ritual killings.

The state is drawing a bold line between authentic cultural tradition and dangerous, exploitative spirituality.

Enforcement agencies will be given the green light to track, arrest, and prosecute anyone suspected of using metaphysical powers to commit crimes or mislead the public.

MIXED FEELINGS IN THE STREETS OF NSUKKA

As expected, opinions are split. Many residents—especially in Nsukka, where such spiritual services are more prevalent—are applauding the bill as long overdue.

Others, particularly traditional medicine practitioners, are raising concerns about cultural suppression and the risk of blanket criminalization.

Still, for now, the message is clear: Enugu is not a safe haven for ritualists and spiritual fraudsters.