The Enugu State Government has taken a firm step toward strengthening internal security with the introduction of a sweeping executive bill aimed at curbing ritual practices, criminal use of charms, and illegal occupation of forests linked to kidnapping and banditry.
Transmitted to the Enugu State House of Assembly by Governor Peter Mbah, the bill, titled Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order, targets criminal activities carried out under the guise of spiritual or traditional practices and imposes stiff penalties on offenders. It mandates native doctors, herbalists, spiritualists, and similar practitioners in the state to register with a designated government agency or face a fine between ₦1 million and ₦5 million, two years’ imprisonment, or both.
The legislation criminalizes the use of mystical practices such as ‘okite’ and bulletproof charms, locally known as ‘odeshi,’ especially when used to facilitate crimes or pursue wealth by supernatural means. Violators may face up to six years in prison or a ₦5 million fine.
Notably, it places the burden of proof on individuals who claim spiritual powers during investigations and prescribes jail terms of up to 20 years without an option of fine for those involved in rituals that include human parts.
The bill also outlaws the use of forests and properties as hideouts for criminal elements. Anyone found in a forest without lawful justification may be handed over to security agencies, while individuals who allow their property to be used for kidnapping or detention risk 20 years in prison without the option of a fine. Landlords or property owners who fail to report suspicious activities linked to their premises face two years’ imprisonment.
In further tightening security, the bill mandates that all private security outfits register with the state and submit records of their armed operatives. Town union presidents-general must also submit monthly security reports to their local government chairmen or designated departments.
Hotel owners, landlords, and estate associations are now required to collect and transmit identification details, phone numbers, occupations, and workplaces of their guests or tenants to the relevant authorities. Lodging facilities are further directed to install surveillance cameras in public areas and submit recorded activity logs.
Failure to comply with these provisions attracts fines ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1 million, depending on the violation.
The bill also empowers the government to forfeit properties used in violation of the law and seize money or assets linked to crimes like theft, robbery, and kidnapping, unless lawfully claimed by a verifiable owner.
The move is seen as part of Governor Mbah’s broader agenda to fortify internal security, sanitize the spiritual services industry, and enhance public safety across Enugu State.
