Governor Mbah Proposes Bill to Regulate Native Doctors, Outlaw Ritual Crimes, and Enhance Security in Enugu

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has transmitted a comprehensive executive bill to the State House of Assembly, seeking to regulate the operations of native doctors, herbalists, spiritualists, and similar practitioners across the state.

The proposed legislation, titled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance, and Order”, aims to combat ritual killings, the use of criminal bulletproof charms, and the unlawful occupation of forests and properties for criminal purposes.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by the governor’s media office, the bill introduces sweeping security measures, including mandatory registration of private security outfits with the state government. These entities will be required to submit the details of their armed personnel for official records.

Landlords, hotel proprietors, and guest house operators will also be obligated to collect and submit valid identification, phone numbers, occupations, and workplace information of tenants and guests to designated authorities.

Violations of the law will attract strict penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

Regulation of Traditional Practitioners:
Section 3(1) mandates that anyone offering spiritual services—whether as a native doctor, herbalist, spiritualist, chief priest, diviner, or seer—must register with a designated ministry, department, or agency. Failure to comply will attract a fine ranging from ₦1 million to ₦5 million, or up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.

Prohibition of False Spiritual Claims:
The bill criminalizes the false claim of supernatural powers for personal gain, prescribing a penalty of three years’ imprisonment or a fine not less than ₦3 million, or both. Suspected individuals must provide reasonable proof of such abilities during investigations.

Misuse of Religious Facilities:
Section 16 stipulates a penalty of six years’ imprisonment or a ₦5 million fine, or both, for anyone who uses or allows religious premises to be used for criminal activities. Such facilities will be sealed during investigations.

Criminal Use of Forests and Property:
Section 13 empowers security agencies to detain any individual found in a forest, camp, or bush without lawful justification and under suspicious circumstances.

Additionally, individuals who knowingly permit their property—whether in forests or urban areas—to be used for kidnapping, unlawful detention, ransom collection, or other crimes associated with banditry, face a sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.

The bill is currently under review by the Enugu State House of Assembly.