Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has introduced a new bill aimed at curbing ritual practices, spiritual fraud, and criminal activity linked to native doctors and spiritualists. The proposed law, titled Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order, mandates registration for all spiritual practitioners and bans the use of criminal charms like ‘okite’ and ‘odeshi’. Violators risk heavy fines or imprisonment, including up to six years for ritual-related crimes and two years for unregistered practice.
The bill criminalizes false claims of supernatural powers, requiring individuals who claim such abilities to provide proof during investigations. It also imposes penalties on those using religious or spiritual spaces for illegal acts, with up to six years in prison or ₦5 million in fines. Rituals involving human parts carry the heaviest sentence—20 years without an option of a fine.
To fight banditry and kidnapping, the bill targets misuse of forests and properties. Anyone who harbors criminals, uses land as hideouts, or allows illegal settlements could face up to 20 years imprisonment. Even failure to report suspicious activity on one’s property attracts a two-year prison term, while properties used in crimes will be forfeited to the state.
The legislation also strengthens community and private security monitoring. It requires private security outfits to register with the government and town union leaders to submit monthly security reports. Landlords, hoteliers, and estate managers must collect tenant and guest data, install surveillance systems, and submit footage to authorities. Failure to comply could cost up to ₦1 million in fines.
