In a coordinated operation underscoring the Nigerian government’s crackdown on illicit traditional practices and cross-border offenses, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially handed over a well-known native doctor from Enugu State to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been made public, was arrested by immigration officers following intelligence reports linking him to alleged criminal activities that may have transnational implications. Sources within the NIS revealed that the native doctor was apprehended in a covert operation after being monitored for weeks over suspicious movements and undocumented associations with foreign nationals.
The arrest was made in Enugu, a southeastern state known for its deep-rooted cultural practices and thriving network of traditional healers. However, authorities say the suspect’s activities extended beyond legitimate traditional medicine, allegedly involving rituals and practices deemed dangerous or criminal under Nigerian law.
A spokesperson for the Immigration Service confirmed that the suspect was detained in line with standard procedures and has now been transferred to the police for comprehensive investigation.
> “Following due process, the suspect has been handed over to the Nigerian Police to enable a full-scale investigation into the allegations against him,” the NIS statement read. “We remain committed to collaborating with law enforcement agencies to rid the country of individuals who abuse cultural practices to commit crimes.”
While the specific charges are yet to be disclosed, officials suggest that the case may involve elements of fraud, human trafficking, or ritual-related offenses. These suspicions stem from the suspect’s interactions with individuals across state and international borders, many of whom may have been drawn in by promises of supernatural wealth or healing.
Local residents expressed mixed reactions to the arrest, with some defending the native doctor’s reputation as a traditional healer, while others voiced concerns about the growing misuse of spiritual practices for exploitative purposes.
Traditional healing remains legal and culturally significant in Nigeria. However, the line between legitimate practice and criminal exploitation has come under increasing scrutiny, especially amid rising reports of ritual killings, spiritual scams, and fake healers preying on desperate individuals.
Human rights and civil society groups have applauded the swift handover and called for a thorough, transparent investigation to ensure justice is served, while also urging authorities to tread carefully to distinguish between lawful traditional medicine and criminal behavior.
Meanwhile, police authorities in Enugu State have promised to update the public as investigations progress. A senior police officer stated that “no stone will be left unturned” in determining the extent of the suspect’s activities and whether he had collaborators.
This arrest is part of a broader campaign by Nigerian security agencies to monitor and regulate individuals who operate under the guise of spirituality or cultural heritage to engage in crime. The government has also emphasized the importance of public awareness and vigilance, encouraging citizens to report suspicious behavior to relevant authorities.
As the case unfolds, it continues to highlight the complex intersection of tradition, law enforcement, and national security in modern-day Nigeria.
Swifteradio.com
