Enugu Joins Anambra, Legislates Registration of Native Doctors, Outlaws Certain Practices

In a bid to tackle the rising wave of criminal activities in the state, Governor Peter Mbah has sent a bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly aimed at regulating the activities of native doctors, herbalists, and other spiritual practitioners.

The proposed law, titled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order”, seeks to outlaw money rituals, bulletproof charms, and other illicit practices.

According to the bill, all spiritual practitioners in the state will be required to register with the relevant government agency, with failure to do so attracting a fine of up to N5 million or a two-year jail term.

The law also prohibits the use of spiritual powers to facilitate crime, with offenders facing up to six years in prison or a fine of N5 million.

Furthermore, the bill outlaws the use of human parts in rituals and prescribes a 20-year jail term for offenders. It also makes it an offense to use forests or property for banditry, kidnapping, or other criminal activities, with penalties ranging from two to 20 years in prison.

In addition, the law requires private security outfits to register with the state government and provide details of their personnel and operations.

Landlords and hotel owners are also mandated to provide information about their tenants and guests to the authorities, while hotels and other lodging facilities must install surveillance cameras to monitor activities.