The Enugu State Government has intensified its fight against criminal activities with a new Executive Bill transmitted to the State House of Assembly by Governor Peter Mbah. The proposed legislation, titled "Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order," aims to regulate spiritual practitioners and combat illegal activities including money rituals, criminal hideouts, and kidnapping operations.
Mandatory Registration for Spiritual Practitioners
Under Section 3(1) of the bill, all native doctors, herbalists, spiritualists, chief priests, diviners, seers, and other traditional spiritual practitioners operating in Enugu State must register with a designated ministry, department, or agency. Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from N1 million to N5 million or a two-year imprisonment term, or both penalties.
The legislation specifically targets practices known locally as 'okite' (money rituals) and 'odeshi' (bulletproof charms), which are often associated with criminal activities in the state.
Severe Penalties for Ritual Practices
The bill proposes stringent measures against those who administer charms or substances for criminal purposes. Section 15 stipulates that anyone who provides supernatural protection to facilitate criminal activities or wealth acquisition outside lawful means faces six years imprisonment or a fine of at least N5 million, or both.
Those falsely claiming supernatural powers for financial gain could receive three years imprisonment or a N3 million fine. Most severely, the bill prescribes 20 years imprisonment without option of fine for anyone involved in rituals using human body parts.
Tackling Forest Hideouts and Kidnapping Bases
The legislation also addresses the use of forests and properties for criminal activities. Anyone found in forests or bushes without legitimate reason and under suspicious circumstances will be handed over to security agencies for investigation.
Property owners who knowingly allow their land or buildings to be used for kidnapping, unlawful detention, or ransom collection face 20 years imprisonment without option of fine. Those who permit unauthorized settlements on their land, except for farming purposes, could receive two years imprisonment.
The bill further mandates forfeiture to the state government of any property used for criminal activities, as well as proceeds from theft, robbery, and kidnapping.
Additional Security Measures
Other provisions in the bill include:
- Mandatory registration of private security outfits with the state government
- Monthly security reports from town union presidents-general to local government chairmen
- Requirements for landlords and hotel proprietors to collect and submit guests' identification details
- Installation of surveillance cameras in hotels and lodging facilities
Penalties for non-compliance with these provisions range from N500,000 to N1 million in fines.
The comprehensive bill represents a significant step in Enugu State's efforts to address security challenges and regulate practices that have been exploited for criminal purposes.
