The Anambra State Government on Friday, April 4, arraigned three native doctors, including the popular Chidozie Nwangwu, known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki”, alongside Eke Hit and Onye Eze, at the Anambra State High Court in Awka.
The suspects, docked at exactly 11:58 am, pleaded to the charges levelled against them, after which the court adjourned the matter.
Their arraignment comes roughly a month after their arrest and detention for alleged involvement in activities such as “money ritual”, “oke ite”, and the “preparation of charms for criminals.”
The arrests, carried out in February by operatives of the newly established state security outfit, Agunechemba, followed the state’s crackdown on native doctors.
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Governor Chukwuma Soludo had earlier signed the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, which launched the “Agunechemba” and “Operation Udo-ga-chi” initiatives as part of an aggressive strategy to curb insecurity.
Authorities believe the activities of these native doctors have contributed to the wave of violence that had plagued parts of the state.
While government officials credit t7he clampdown with reducing crime, the move has also sparked backlash from traditional religion practitioners.
Several protests have taken place, with demonstrators alleging that the state’s security drive is an attack on their faith.