The Anambra State House of Assembly has enacted a new law imposing strict penalties on native doctors who prepare or administer charms, including the infamous ‘Odeshi’, ‘Okeite’, and ‘Mkpu Egbe’. Offenders now face six years in prison, a N20 million fine, or both under the newly established Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025.
The law is aimed at curbing the misuse of supernatural practices, which have been implicated in various criminal activities across the state. It explicitly targets individuals who create charms believed to provide protection or wealth through unlawful means, as well as those who publicly promote such practices.
The legislation follows a series of tragic incidents involving the testing of bulletproof charms like ‘Odeshi’, which have resulted in fatalities. Reports also indicate that some native doctors supply these charms to criminals, including kidnappers and armed robbers, to facilitate their illicit activities.
The new law has sparked intense debate among residents and cultural advocates. Supporters argue that it is a necessary step to reduce crime and protect the public from the dangers of traditional charms. They see it as a proactive measure to deter both the creators and users of these harmful practices.
Read Also: BUA Cement Launches Massive Recruitment Drive: Apply now
However, critics, including traditionalists, have raised concerns over potential cultural suppression. They fear the law could be misapplied to target legitimate traditional healers who operate ethically and within the boundaries of cultural heritage. Many argue for a regulatory framework to distinguish between genuine traditional medicine and practices tied to criminal activities.
Discussions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have been vibrant, with opinions ranging from staunch support for the crackdown on crime to calls for preserving cultural practices. Some users propose a middle ground, suggesting the establishment of a regulatory body to oversee traditional healers while ensuring compliance with modern laws.
The Anambra State Police Command has already issued warnings to native doctors, urging them to steer clear of illegal activities. Authorities have pledged to enforce the law rigorously, signaling their readiness to prosecute violators to the fullest extent.
Key provisions of the law include severe penalties for anyone administering charms for criminal purposes or dumping sacrificial items in public spaces or waterways. The law also explicitly prohibits practices like “Okeite” and “Eze Nwanyi” if tied to illegal activities or the accumulation of wealth through supernatural means.
This legislation highlights the ongoing struggle to balance cultural heritage with modern legal standards. While protecting public safety is paramount, there is a growing call for inclusive measures that respect the role of traditional medicine in Igbo culture. Proposals for a regulatory body for traditional healers have gained traction, offering a potential pathway to integrate these practices into contemporary legal and health systems.
As the law takes effect, all eyes will be on its implementation and impact. The Anambra State government has expressed its commitment to monitoring outcomes closely, aiming to strike a balance between safeguarding cultural identity and addressing public safety concerns.
