Governor Mbah Goes Tough on Native Doctors, Spiritualists, Seeks Legislation For Regulation

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has transmitted an Executive Bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly to checkmate criminal activities among native doctors and herbalists in the state.

Mr. Uche Anichukwu, the Senior Special Assistance to the governor on External Relations made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Enugu. He said that the proposed legislation was entitled, “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order.”

Anichukwu said that the bill also outlawed money rituals otherwise known as Okite, criminal bulletproof charms, also known as “Odeshi.”

According to him, the bill equally outlaws illegal use or occupation of forests and property for criminal activities. He further added that native doctor, herbalist, spiritualist, chief priest, diviner or any traditional person, who engages in the practice or rendering of spiritual services within the state, shall be registered with the Ministry, Department and Agencies of the state.

“Practicing without registration will attract a fine of not less than N1million and not more than N5million or two-year imprisonment or both.” Anichukwu said.

He also said that any spiritualist that administers any charm on or for another person for the purpose of invincibility commits an offence. Such a spiritualist is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of six years or to a fine of not less than N5million or both.