In a bold move to address rising criminal activities associated with ritual practices and spiritual manipulation, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has sent an Executive Bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly titled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order.”
The proposed legislation seeks to regulate spiritual practices, outlaw the use of bulletproof charms (popularly known as odeshi), ban ritual wealth practices (okite), and criminalize the misuse of religious and forest spaces for illicit activities, including kidnapping and ritual killings.
According to Section 3 (1) of the Bill:
“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.”
Failure to register will attract a fine of N1 million to N5 million, or two years’ imprisonment, or both.
Under Section 15, the Bill takes a hard stance against spiritual practices aimed at criminal invincibility or illicit wealth:
“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 million naira (N5,000,000), or both.”
Further, those who falsely claim supernatural powers to gain influence or financial benefit will face:
“Imprisonment for a term of three (3) years or to a fine of not less than three million naira (N3,000,000), or both.”
The Bill also places the burden of proof on individuals claiming spiritual powers during investigation:
“The burden shall lie on such a person, during investigation, to provide reasonable proof of the purported supernatural abilities claimed.”
Section 16 prescribes a six-year jail term or N5 million fine (or both) for anyone who uses or knowingly allows the use of a religious place to facilitate crime. The facility will also be sealed pending investigation.
On the gravest offenses, Section 17 addresses ritual killings:
“Any person who performs, facilitates, demands, directs, or participates in any ritual or traditional practice involving the use of human parts, or who causes another person to do so, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years without the option of a fine.”
The Bill also focuses on curbing criminal operations in forests and private properties.
Section 13 provides:
“Any person found in a camp, bush, or forest within Enugu State without any reasonable or lawful cause, and under circumstances giving rise to reasonable suspicion of involvement in any criminal activity, shall be promptly handed over to the Nigeria Police Force or any competent security agency for proper investigation in accordance with the law.”
Moreover, the Bill targets those who knowingly allow their properties—especially those in forests—to be used for kidnapping or banditry:
“Any person who owns, occupies, or has control over any land or building, whether located in a forest or elsewhere, and knowingly allows it to be used as a camp, hideout, or base for kidnapping, the unlawful detention of victims, the collection of ransom, or for any other activity connected to kidnapping or banditry, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years without the option of a fine.”
Individuals who host unauthorized persons on their land, unless for farming, risk two years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine. The same penalty applies to those who fail to report suspicious use of their property to authorities.
In cases of violations under Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10, the law mandates:
“Any land, property, or structure used in contravention of Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10 of this Law shall be forfeited to the Government of Enugu State.”
Also, stolen money and proceeds from kidnapping or robbery will be forfeited unless the rightful owner can lawfully claim them within a reasonable time.
The bill mandates private security outfits in Enugu State to register with the government, providing full details of operations and personnel. Similarly, town union presidents-general are required to submit monthly security reports to local government chairmen or designated state departments.
Landlords, hotel owners, guest house managers, and estate associations are also obligated to verify and forward the identification, phone number, occupation, and workplace of tenants and guests to the appropriate government authority.
In addition, hotels and lodging facilities must install surveillance cameras in public areas and provide authorities with relevant footage when requested.
Failure to comply will attract fines ranging from N500,000 for landlords to N1 million for hospitality operators.
