KINGSLEY EBERE
The arrest of a popular celebrity native doctor, Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki n’Oba and the shutting down of Okija Shrine by local security group, Agunechemba, appears to have collapsed native doctors businesses and thrown worshippers of the deities, yahoo boys and kidnappers into panic in Anambra State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that while the Agunechemba is dealing and fishing out criminal elements linked with native doctors in Anambra State, the traditional ruler of Asaba in Delta State, the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), banned the activities of ‘Eze-Nwanyi’ (female native doctors/goddesses) and other traditional practitioners due to their alleged involvement in the rising crime rate in Asaba and its environs.
This decision follows reports linking the murder of an Anambra lawmaker – whose body was discovered on the Niger Bridge – to native doctors and a shrine in Asaba.
The security men have moved to other towns in Anambra State including Ichida, Enugwu Ukwu, Ukulu, Awka, Umunze, Nnewi, Agulu, Nnobi and many other communities in the State where intelligence revealed as the operational base for criminals.
The security operatives moved further to various bushes and forests in various communities in the State, destroying the camps set up by kidnappers recovering some items including vehicles as exhibits.
The fight against criminal elements in Anambra State is gaining momentum following the arrest of Akwa Okuko in Oba, Idemili South area of Anambra, believed to be untouchable because of myths behind his activities over the years.
Though Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki n’Oba has denied Okeite and involvement in any criminal activity, but was detained for further investigation by the security agency over allegations that he prepares charms for kidnappers who masquerade as Yahoo boys, terrorising the State.
Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, was worried by the high level of crime and the State Government enacted the Anambra State Homeland Security Law in 2025.
The new law imposes strict penalties on native doctors who prepare or administer charms, including the infamous ‘Odeshi’, ‘Okeite’, and ‘Mkpu Egbe’.
Offenders now face six years in prison, a N20 million fine, or both under the newly established law.
The laws explicitly targets individuals who create charms believed to provide protection or wealth through unlawful means, as well as those who publicly promote such practices.
While the security agencies are still investigating Akwa Okuko, they moved to Okija town and sealed the controversial shrine in Umuofor village, Okija, located in Ihiala Local Government Area as part of their fight against fraudulent native doctors and criminal activities.
The shrine, allegedly operated by Ekene Igboegbueze, a self-proclaimed native doctor, was reportedly used to deceive unsuspecting individuals with false promises of supernatural wealth. Its closure follows numerous complaints from Okija residents, who raised concerns over suspicious activities linked to the shrine.
This was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakai, who disclosed that the Government acted based on reports from the local community.
He emphasized the state’s commitment to rooting out fraudulent practices and ensuring public safety.
“Igboegbueze’s business is illegal under Anambra State Homeland Security Laws,” Emeakai said, adding that properties acquired through the illicit trade have also been sealed.
“All items found in the shrine will undergo forensic examination, and the results will determine further government action,” he added.
Director of Operations for Agunechemba Security Outfit, Chinenye Ihenko, cautioned youths against patronizing fake native doctors and pastors.
“The activities of fake spiritual leaders are fueling a get-rich-quick mentality in the state,” he said.
“Our mandate is to sanitize Anambra, and we are committed to that. Anything contributing to the desecration of the state or aiding criminal activities will be eradicated. That, we can assure the people.”
He urged the youth to engage in legitimate ventures to avoid falling foul of the law.
P.M.EXPRESS investigation revealed that the patrons of the native doctors and shrines are under serious panic because they cannot go back to the shrines to perform the normal rituals in those shrines because of the security agency who have keep watch of the shrines in the State. This may cause serious consequences on the patrons of the those shrines.
