Female Native Doctor Arrested In Enugu Over N26 Million Spiritual Work Sparks Debate On Fraudulent Practices [VIDEO]

 

A female native doctor has been arrested in Enugu after reportedly collecting a staggering N26 million from a client under the pretense of performing spiritual work. The dramatic arrest was captured in a viral video where the woman struggled to justify the payments she allegedly demanded, sparking widespread debate on the role of traditional spiritual practices in modern society and the urgent need for regulation.

The case has drawn sharp attention not only because of the enormous sum involved but also due to the recurring pattern of such incidents across Nigeria. Victims often find themselves trapped in financial and emotional distress, believing that promises of wealth, health, or supernatural solutions will materialize after making payments to spiritual practitioners. This latest episode adds to a growing list of questionable transactions tied to native doctors and self-proclaimed healers, fueling public concern over fraudulent schemes disguised as traditional spirituality.

Eyewitness accounts suggest the arrested woman had presented herself as a powerful native doctor capable of solving personal and financial problems through rituals and spiritual consultation. The client, who later raised the alarm, reportedly paid in several installments until the total amount reached N26 million. By the time doubts set in about the authenticity of the services rendered, the financial damage had already been done. The inability of the accused to provide convincing answers when confronted has further eroded public trust in such practices.

Observers have linked this case to a broader trend of deception that mirrors Nigeria’s infamous 419 scams. While online fraud typically involves promises of large financial returns through investments or inheritances, the spiritual version often manipulates cultural and religious beliefs to achieve the same goal. The United States Secret Service has repeatedly highlighted the global nature of these advanced fee schemes, which prey on human desperation and misplaced trust. Within Nigeria, spiritual scams represent a culturally adapted extension of this fraud, exploiting the strong influence of traditional beliefs.

Reports from 2022 revealed a strikingly similar case in which a group of traditional healers conned a woman out of millions of naira under the guise of performing rituals for her well-being. Despite frequent arrests, these cases continue to surface, indicating weak deterrents and insufficient consumer protection mechanisms. Many Nigerians remain torn between respecting long-held cultural traditions and confronting the financial risks tied to them.

Technology has added another layer of complexity to this issue. With the rise of digital platforms like Priests.Africa, which aim to connect spiritual seekers with priests and native doctors online, the line between tradition and modern commerce has become increasingly blurred. While such platforms promote accessibility and visibility for spiritual practitioners, they also create openings for exploitation. This Enugu case has renewed fears that without clear oversight, online spiritual services may become fertile ground for widespread scams.

Legal experts argue that there is an urgent need for stronger regulation in the sector. Unlike conventional financial services, spiritual work remains largely unmonitored, allowing unscrupulous individuals to demand vast sums with no accountability. Critics believe a balance must be struck between preserving cultural heritage and protecting citizens from fraud. They emphasize that regulation does not have to erase traditional healing but should instead establish transparent practices that shield vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

Public reaction to the arrest has been intense, with social media flooded by arguments for and against traditional healers. Some users expressed outrage, calling for severe punishment of the woman, while others highlighted that genuine native doctors should not be judged by the actions of a few impostors. This polarized discourse reflects the ongoing struggle in Nigeria between faith in ancestral traditions and the realities of modern financial pressures.

The Enugu State Police Command has yet to provide full details of the investigation, but authorities confirmed that the suspect remains in custody as efforts are made to trace the money and ensure justice for the victim. Civil society groups are already urging the government to treat this as a precedent-setting case, one that could pave the way for policies protecting individuals from similar fraudulent experiences.

Cultural experts stress that traditional spirituality occupies a significant place in Nigerian life, but they also warn that unchecked practices create fertile ground for exploitation. They call for a framework that differentiates legitimate traditional healing from fraudulent activity, suggesting that registered associations and certification processes could help protect the integrity of the practice.

As the case develops, it continues to highlight the dangers of unregulated spiritual services, the vulnerabilities of desperate individuals seeking solutions, and the need for stronger laws. Whether this arrest will become a turning point for reform or simply another addition to Nigeria’s long list of unresolved scams remains to be seen.

The story of a client losing N26 million to a native doctor is both a cautionary tale and a societal wake-up call. It underscores the complex intersection of tradition, faith, technology, and finance in a country where spiritual beliefs remain deeply influential. Until effective regulatory measures are put in place, cases like this are likely to resurface, leaving more victims to bear the heavy cost of misplaced trust.