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LAW TO REGULATE SPIRITUAL PRACTICES UNDERWAY IN ENUGU
The Enugu State Government has introduced a new bill aimed at tackling criminal activities linked to unregulated traditional practices, ritual killings, and the growing threat of banditry and kidnapping in the state.
Governor Peter Mbah on Tuesday transmitted the proposed legislation titled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order” to the Enugu State House of Assembly.
The bill seeks to regulate the activities of native doctors, herbalists, spiritualists, and other traditional practitioners, while outlawing rituals and charms associated with criminal purposes.
The bill proposes the registration of all individuals offering spiritual services within the state.
According to Section 3(1), all native doctors, herbalists, seers, chief priests, and spiritualists must register with a state-designated agency. Practicing without registration would attract a fine between ₦1 million and ₦5 million, or a two-year jail term, or both.
Among the criminalized practices are money rituals, known locally as okite, and the use of bulletproof charms, commonly referred to as odeshi. Anyone found guilty of performing or facilitating such practices for purposes including criminal protection or supernatural wealth acquisition faces a penalty of six years imprisonment or a fine of ₦5 million, or both.
In a separate provision, the bill targets individuals who falsely claim to possess supernatural powers.
Such offenders risk three years imprisonment or a ₦3 million fine, or both. The legislation also places the burden of proof on those claiming spiritual powers to justify their abilities during investigations.
The proposed law further addresses the misuse of religious spaces. Section 16 provides for a six-year prison sentence or ₦5 million fine, or both, for using religious premises to facilitate crime. The location may also be sealed pending investigation.
The most severe punishment under the bill targets ritual killings. Section 17 prescribes 20 years imprisonment without the option of a fine for any person found involved in rituals involving human body parts.
In efforts to combat kidnapping and forest-based criminal hideouts, the bill also prohibits unlawful occupation of forests or bush areas. Anyone found under suspicious circumstances in such areas is to be handed over to the police or relevant security agencies.
Moreover, property owners who knowingly allow their land or buildings to be used for criminal activities, including
