An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has granted bail of N50 million to a native doctor, Johnpaul Ezenagu, popularly known as Muo Mmiri Afuluanya, who is facing trial over alleged ritual-related offences.
Justice Jude Obiora granted the bail on Friday, ordering the defendant to provide one surety in like sum and deposit the title documents of his residence with the court. The judge ruled that the property would be forfeited if the defendant absconds.
The court also barred Ezenagu from granting media interviews while the trial is ongoing and adjourned the case until July 3.
Ezenagu was arrested in March by operatives of the Agunechemba vigilante group and later arraigned on a five-count charge linked to alleged ritual practices.
His arraignment, initially scheduled for April, was postponed due to ill health. At the resumed hearing on June 3, defence counsel Kingsley Awuka applied for bail on medical grounds, but the prosecution opposed the request. The court declined the application at the time and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Amawbia Correctional Centre pending a ruling.
Speaking after Friday's proceedings, Awuka said the bail was justified in view of his client's health condition.
According to the charge sheet, Ezenagu is accused of promoting wealth acquisition through supernatural means, conducting ritual sacrifices in public waterways, misleading the public by claiming to possess supernatural powers, collecting money from people under those claims, and representing himself as a witch with supernatural abilities.
The prosecution alleges that the offences violate Sections 18 and 19 of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, as well as Section 192(a) of the Criminal Code of Anambra State.
The Homeland Security Law, introduced by Governor Charles Soludo, established the Agunechemba vigilante outfit and criminalised practices such as preparing charms for criminal activities, performing sacrifices in public places, and promoting rituals for wealth acquisition.
The law prescribes a penalty of up to six years imprisonment, a fine of N20 million, or both upon conviction.
Since the law came into effect, the Anambra State Government has intensified enforcement against individuals accused of using spiritual practices to facilitate crime. The crackdown has also extended to religious leaders accused of exploiting members of the public through alleged fake miracles.
Among those convicted under the ongoing enforcement is native doctor Chukwudozie Nwangwu, popularly known as *Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki*, who was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment on charges including ritual-related offences, robbery, conspiracy, preparing charms for criminals, and aiding internet fraud.
