Governor Peter Mbah has transmitted an Executive Bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly to checkmate criminal activities among native doctors, herbalists and related persons in the state.
The proposed legislation entitled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order”, also outlaws money rituals otherwise known as ‘okite’, criminal bulletproof charms, otherwise known as ‘odeshi.’
It equally outlaws illegal use or occupation of forests and property for criminal activities.
By the provisions of Section 3 (1), “Every person, who engages in the practice or rendering of spiritual services within the state, whether as a native doctor, herbalist, spiritualist, chief priest, diviner, seer, or by any other traditional or spiritual title or designation, shall be registered with the ministry, department or agency (MDA) of the state as may be designated by the Governor for that purpose.”
Practising without registration will attract a fine of not less than N1 million and not more than N5 million or two-year imprisonment or both.
Section 15 of the proposed legislation provides, “Any person who, under the guise of spiritual or traditional practice (including but not limited to the practices commonly referred to as ‘okite’, ‘ezenwanyi’, or any other mystical or ritual name/form) administers or causes to be administered any charm, substance, or object on or for another person, for the purpose of: (a) invincibility and other forms of protection to facilitate the commission of any criminal offence; or (b) acquiring wealth or benefits by supernatural means outside any lawful means of livelihood, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of six (6) years or to a fine of not less than five