News

Enugu To Regulate Native Doctors, Herbalists

Published

12 months ago

June 4, 2025

Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State has transmitted an executive bill to the State House of Assembly aimed at regulating the activities of native doctors, herbalists, and related practitioners across the state.

The proposed legislation, titled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance, and Order,” seeks to outlaw money rituals, criminal bulletproof charms, and the unlawful use or occupation of forests and properties for criminal activities.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the media office of the governor, the bill also mandates private security outfits to register with the state government and provide particulars of armed security operatives.

The bill also mandates private security outfits to register with the state government and provide details of all armed personnel. Additionally, presidents-general of town unions are required to submit regular security reports to local government chairmen.

Landlords and proprietors of hotels and guest houses must obtain and submit valid identification details, phone numbers, occupations, and places of work of tenants and guests to the relevant authorities.

The bill prescribes penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment.

Specifically, Section 3(1) of the proposed bill states: “Every person who engages in the practice or rendering of spiritual services within the state, whether as a native doctor, herbalist, spiritualist, chief priest, diviner, seer, or by any other traditional or spiritual title or designation, shall be registered with the ministry, department, or agency (MDA) of the state as may be designated by the Governor for that purpose.”

Practising without registration attracts a fine of not less than ₦1 million and not more than ₦5 million, or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

Section 15 provides that: “Any person who, under the guise of spiritual or traditional practice—including, but not limited to, practices commonly referred to as okite, ezenwanyi, or any other mystical or ritual name or form—administers or causes to be administered any charm, substance, or object on or for another person for the purpose of: (a) achieving invincibility or other forms of protection to facilitate the commission of any criminal offence; or (b) acquiring wealth or benefits through supernatural means outside any lawful source of livelihood, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of six (6) years or to a fine of not less than ₦5 million, or both.”

The bill further states that anyone who falsely claims to possess supernatural powers or misleads the public for personal gain or influence commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for three years or a fine of not less than ₦3 million, or both.

It also provides that anyone claiming spiritual powers must provide reasonable proof of such abilities during investigation.

In a similar vein, Section 16 prescribes six years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦5 million, or both, for anyone who uses or knowingly permits the use of any religious facility for the commission or facilitation of a crime. Such facilities will be sealed pending the outcome of investigations.

Section 17 states: “Any person who performs, facilitates, demands, directs, or participates in any ritual or traditional practice involving the use of human parts—or causes another person to do so—commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years without the option of a fine.”

Under Section 13, “Any person found in a camp, bush, or forest within Enugu State without any reasonable or lawful cause, and under circumstances giving rise to suspicion of involvement in criminal activity, shall be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force or any competent security agency for proper investigation.”

Regarding the use of forests and property for criminal purposes, the bill proposes: “Any person who owns, occupies, or has control over any land or building—whether located in a forest or elsewhere—and knowingly allows it to be used as a camp, hideout, or base for kidnapping, unlawful detention, ransom collection, or any activity connected to banditry, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to twenty (20) years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.”

Furthermore, any person who knowingly allows non-security personnel to reside, camp, or establish a settlement on their land—except for farming—shall face two years’ imprisonment without an option of a fine.

Failure to report suspicious use of one’s property to security agencies is also punishable by a two-year prison term without an option of a fine.

According to the bill, “Subject to Section 3 of the Criminal Code (Second Amendment) Law 2016, any land, property, or structure used in contravention of Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this law shall be forfeited to the Government of Enugu State.”

Additionally, any money, property, or proceeds of crimes such as theft, robbery, or kidnapping will be forfeited to the state unless a lawful owner comes forward within a reasonable time.

The bill also mandates private security firms to register with the State Government and provide full details of the company and all armed operatives. Town union presidents-general are required to submit monthly security reports to local government chairmen or other designated departments.

Landlords, hotel and guest house operators, and estate associations are mandated to collect and transmit valid identification and contact information of tenants and guests to relevant authorities.

All hospitality establishments are also required to install surveillance cameras in public areas and submit recordings to the appropriate agencies upon request.

Penalties for non-compliance range from fines of not less than ₦500,000 for landlords to ₦1 million for proprietors.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.