Anambra Demolishes Shrine of Convicted Native Doctor

The Anambra State government demolished the shrine of Chidozi Nwangwu, a native doctor known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, located in Idemili South Local Government Area. This action followed a high court judgment delivered on Friday in Awka, where Justice Jude Obiora sentenced Nwangwu to 11 months in prison for his involvement in ritual practices deemed illegal.

The demolition was supervised by Ben Emeakayi, a special adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and carried out by the state security outfit Agunechemba. The shrine contained various ritual objects, including native pots and images.

Nwangwu's conviction was part of a crackdown on native doctors, initiated by Governor Soludo in response to rising insecurity linked to ritual crimes. Nwangwu faced a total of 10 charges, with six counts struck out by the court, leaving four upheld.

He was given an option of a N60 million fine or a concurrent six-year imprisonment. The demolition marks a continued enforcement of court judgments against ritual crime practices in Anambra State.