An Anambra State High Court in Awka on Friday, June 19, 2025, granted native doctor Johnpaul Ezenagu, popularly known as “Muo Mmili Afuluanya,” bail in the sum of N50 million. Ezenagu faces trial over alleged ritual practices, with charges including propagation of wealth accumulation by supernatural means and misleading the public about possessing supernatural powers.
Bail Granted on Health Grounds
Ezenagu’s lawyer, Kingsley Awuka, applied for bail on health grounds during the June 3 hearing, but the prosecution opposed it, seeking remand until the application was determined. The court initially declined bail and remanded Ezenagu at the Amawbia Correctional Centre, adjourning to June 19 for a formal bail hearing. At Friday’s hearing, Justice Jude Obiora granted bail with conditions: a N50 million bond, a surety in like sum, deposit of title documents of his residence (forfeitable if he jumps bail), and a bar on granting press interviews during the trial. The trial was adjourned to July 3.
Defence Counsel Reacts
Awuka told PREMIUM TIMES that the bail was deserved given Ezenagu’s health conditions. “The court was gracious in granting the bail, and deservedly so,” he said. The arraignment had been postponed from April to June 3 due to Ezenagu’s ill-health.
Charges Under Anambra Homeland Security Law
Ezenagu was arrested in March by operatives of the Agunechemba vigilante group and arraigned on five counts. The Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), leads the prosecution. According to a charge sheet, the charges include: propagation of wealth accumulation by supernatural means; throwing and pouring items of sacrifice into water; misleading the public about possession of supernatural powers; obtaining rewards by claiming supernatural powers; and representing oneself as a witch with powers of witchcraft. Counts one to four are contrary to Sections 18 and 19 of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, while count five violates Section 192(a) of the Criminal Code CAP 36 Revised Laws of Anambra State 1991.
Crackdown on Fake Native Doctors
Governor Charles Soludo initiated the bill that became the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025. The law created the Agunechemba vigilante group, banned making charms for crimes and performing sacrifices along roads, and outlawed Oke-Ite and Ezenwanyi practices for wealth accumulation via supernatural means. Defaulters face six years imprisonment or a N20 million fine, or both. Since enactment, Soludo’s administration has cracked down on fake native doctors and spiritualists who aid criminals. One native doctor, Chukwudozie Nwangwu (‘Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki’), was sentenced to 12 years for ritual practices, robbery, conspiracy, and preparing charms for criminals. Eight suspected fake pastors were recently arraigned and remanded for performing fake miracles.
