Traditional Healers or Targets? Rights Group Slams Soludo Over Detention of 40 Native Doctors in Anambra

 

Awka, Nigeria – In a scathing statement that reverberates with accusations of religious intolerance and constitutional overreach, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has called on Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State to immediately release over 40 native doctors held in detention for more than two months. The rights group insists the detainees are traditional worshippers, wrongly profiled and incarcerated under controversial interpretations of the newly signed Anambra State Homeland Security Law.

The native doctors, some of whom are well-known figures in their communities, were arrested on allegations of preparing charms for criminals and participating in so-called money rituals — practices that the state government claims have contributed to worsening insecurity in the region. However, Intersociety argues that the arrests amount to religious profiling and an outright violation of fundamental human rights.

In a statement signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and other key members of the organization, the group painted a grim picture of systemic abuse. According to them, the arrested individuals have been held without charge or investigation for over 60 days, allegedly at a facility dubbed the “Lion House” — described as a state militia center in Awka.

“The traditional worshippers being held in Anambra have no case to answer in law,” the statement declared. “Governor Charles Soludo and his government, having failed a litmus test of being responsible, human rights-respecting, and defenders of religious freedom, have lost both the legal and moral grounds to continue detaining these citizens.”

Intersociety cited constitutional provisions that limit lawful detention without charge to 24–48 hours, or a maximum of 60 days if the arrest pertains to capital offences and is under the supervision of legitimate state agencies like the police or DSS. According to the group, the current mode of detention violates due process and is not backed by law.

Particularly troubling to the rights group is the public narrative pushed by the Anambra State Government, which it claims ridicules and dehumanizes traditional worshippers by framing their practices as “fetish,” “demonic,” or linked to violent crimes. Intersociety contends this branding fuels intolerance and creates a hostile environment for indigenous religious practitioners.

Some of the detained individuals were named in the press release, including prominent native doctor Chigozie Nwangwu, famously known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki,” Abuchi Ikechukwu Okafor, Chijindu Nwaeze, and Onyeka Onyeji, who serves as Vice President of the Umuoji Improvement Union. Also detained are Ekene Igboekweze, alias “Eke-Hit,” and self-styled prophet “Onyeze Jesus,” among others.

“These individuals have been humiliated and degraded by being unjustly associated with crime,” Intersociety added. “What we are witnessing is nothing short of religious persecution.”

Beyond the immediate call for the release of the native doctors, Intersociety also raised broader concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the South East. In particular, it warned of increasing violence and land-grabbing activities allegedly perpetrated by armed Fulani herdsmen. The group urged the governors of Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States to urgently step up their responses to the threats.

In a bold move, the organization signaled its intent to escalate the matter internationally, stating it would collaborate with global human rights partners to lobby for visa bans and international sanctions against Governor Soludo and other state officials involved.

“Our advocacy will not end here,” Intersociety warned. “We will explore every legal and diplomatic means to ensure justice is served and religious freedoms are protected.”

As pressure mounts, the Soludo administration has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations or clarify the legal status of those detained. Meanwhile, human rights observers and legal experts are beginning to weigh in on what some now describe as a test case for religious freedom and the rule of law in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.