Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has cautioned residents of the state—especially youths—against falling for deceptive claims made by criminal native doctors who promise instant wealth without hard work.
The governor issued this warning on Tuesday while addressing new members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in support of his re-election campaign.
Governor Soludo’s remarks come amid a state-wide crackdown on fraudulent native doctors who allegedly perform rituals for wealth and prepare protective charms for criminals, including kidnappers. The Anambra State government has already arrested and detained over 40 such native doctors, triggering public debates, with some accusing the state of targeting traditional religious practices.
However, the governor clarified that his administration is not at war with traditional religion but is instead targeting individuals who exploit gullible citizens through deceitful and dangerous practices.
Speaking during the event, Soludo said:
“Go to Indonesia—23 Ndi Anambra are currently on death row for drug-related offenses. These native doctors mislead them by saying they can prepare charms that will blind airport scanners. Our youth believe them and end up in jail abroad.”
He continued:
“If anyone claims they can make you rich through rituals, bring them to Awka. If they can make one millionaire, we will line up more people to benefit. Even I will join the line—who doesn’t want more money?”
Soludo highlighted the hypocrisy of some of these so-called native doctors, stating that one detainee’s son works as a hotel waiter in Nnewi.
“If rituals were that effective, why hasn’t he made his own son a millionaire?”
He also exposed one of the arrested individuals who claimed to be a mere “content creator” exploiting youth through misleading social media videos about money rituals.
Governor Soludo lamented the growing trend among young people who abandon hard work in favor of superstition and indulgence.
“Many now wake up and spend their day in beer parlours, waiting for wealth to magically appear.”
Reiterating his respect for traditional worship, Soludo made a clear distinction:
“Traditionalists of old were disciplined and guided by strong values. They feared the gods and upheld moral order. What we have now are criminal elements abusing the name of tradition to scam and harm.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rooting out fake ritualists and restoring values that promote diligence and integrity.
