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Justice Jude Obiora, who presided over the matter on Friday, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like amount.
An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has granted bail to a native doctor, Johnpaul Ezenagu, popularly known as “Muo Mmili Afuluanya,” who is facing trial over alleged ritual-related offences. Bail Application Charges Against the Defendant Crackdown on Ritual Practices
As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered Mr Ezenagu to deposit the title documents of his residence, which would be forfeited should he fail to appear for trial. The judge also barred him from granting media interviews while the case remains before the court.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until July 3 for the continuation of trial proceedings.
Bail Application
Mr Ezenagu was initially scheduled for arraignment in April, but the proceedings were postponed due to health concerns.
At a hearing on June 3, his counsel, Kingsley Awuka, applied for bail on medical grounds. The prosecution opposed the application and urged the court to remand the defendant pending the determination of the request.
The court declined the initial application and ordered his remand at the Amawbia Correctional Centre before later fixing June 19 for a substantive hearing on the bail request.
Speaking after Friday’s ruling, Mr Awuka welcomed the decision, describing it as justified in view of his client’s health condition.
“The court was gracious in granting the bail, and deservedly so,” he said.
Charges Against the Defendant
Mr Ezenagu was arrested in March by operatives of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group and later arraigned on a five-count charge.
According to court documents, he is accused of promoting wealth acquisition through supernatural means, performing ritual sacrifices involving water bodies, misleading members of the public about possessing supernatural powers, obtaining benefits through such claims, and presenting himself as a practitioner of witchcraft.
The prosecution, led by Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), said the offences violate provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025 and the Criminal Code of Anambra State.
Crackdown on Ritual Practices
Most of the charges against the defendant stem from the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, a legislation introduced by Governor Charles Soludo to tackle insecurity and criminality in the state.
The law established the Agunechemba Vigilante Group and criminalised activities such as preparing charms for criminals, conducting sacrifices in public places, and promoting wealth acquisition through supernatural means.
Convicted offenders face penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both.
Since the law came into effect, the state government has intensified efforts against individuals accused of using spiritual practices to aid criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery and internet fraud.
The crackdown has also extended to religious leaders accused of exploiting residents through alleged fake miracles.
One prominent native doctor, Chukwudozie Nwangwu, popularly known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki,” was previously convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment on charges linked to ritual practices, conspiracy, robbery, preparing charms for criminals and aiding internet fraud.
Source: FirstWeeklyMagazine | Read the Full Story…
