The Enugu State Government has introduced a new bill aimed at curbing rising criminal activities linked to unregulated spiritual practices, banditry, and kidnapping. Governor Peter Mbah has submitted the Executive Bill, titled Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order, to the State House of Assembly.
This legislation seeks to outlaw activities involving money rituals, criminal bulletproof charms, and unauthorized occupation of forests used for criminal purposes. It targets native doctors, herbalists, spiritualists, and similar figures operating without official registration.
According to the bill, all persons practicing spiritual or traditional services must register with a state-designated ministry, department, or agency. Unregistered practitioners face fines between ₦1 million and ₦5 million, or up to 2 years in prison, or both.
The bill states that those who perform rituals or administer charms for criminal protection or wealth acquisition through supernatural means face up to 6 years in prison or a fine of not less than ₦5 million. Anyone found falsely claiming spiritual powers for influence or financial gain may be jailed for 3 years or fined ₦3 million.
The proposed law places the burden of proof on individuals claiming supernatural abilities during investigations. It also criminalizes the use of any religious venue for crime, with penalties including 6 years’ imprisonment or a ₦5 million fine, and temporary closure of the venue during investigation.
In a separate section, the bill calls for a 20-year prison sentence without an option of fine for individuals involved in rituals using human parts.
Those found in forests, camps, or similar locations without lawful reason and under suspicious circumstances will be handed to security agencies for investigation. Property owners who allow their land or buildings to be used for kidnapping or as hideouts will face 20 years in prison, also without the option of a fine.
Individuals who permit settlement on their land by persons not affiliated with recognized security agencies, except for farming, also risk 2 years in jail. Failure to report suspicious use of property to authorities is equally punishable by a 2-year prison sentence.
Source: Vanguard
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