Group decries detention of traditional worshippers in Anambra

The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety) has condemned the continued detention of more than 40 traditional worshippers by the Anambra State government without trial.

The rights group stated that the prolonged detention exceeds the constitutionally prescribed limit of 24 to 48 hours, or a maximum of 60 days if arrested for capital offences by the police or secret service.

Some of the detainees were reportedly arrested following the enforcement of a new security law introduced by the Anambra State government to address rising insecurity.

In a statement on Thursday, InterSociety’s chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, criticised the Anambra State government, arguing that Nigerian governors lack constitutional or statutory powers to detain individuals in security custody through “remand orders” or “holden charges.”

He asserted that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration had lost the legal and moral authority to continue detaining the worshippers.

“The governor’s failure to uphold due process and the rule of law in this case—having labelled, humiliated, and publicly ridiculed the detainees as practitioners of ‘fetish and demonic religious practices’—has exposed them to undue danger. The over 40 arrested native doctors, who have been illegally detained without investigation, charges, or trial for over 60 days, have no case to answer under Nigeria’s extant criminal laws,” Umeagbalasi said.

He called for the immediate and unconditional release of those held, including Chigozie Nwangwu (popularly known as *Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki*), Abuchi Ikechukwu Okafor, Chijindu Nwaeze, Onyeka Onyeji (Vice President of the Umuoji Improvement Union), “Onyeze Jesus,” Ekene Igboekweze (“Eke-Hit”), and “Mmili Enwe Iro,” along with more than 34 others.

“Their detention is based on hearsay, false labelling, and unfounded allegations. Their lawyers and families must rise to the occasion and demand their immediate release,” he added.

InterSociety also condemned the Anambra State government’s 8 March 2025 ban on open-air gospel preaching and the imposition of fines on offenders, describing it as “a clear manifestation of dictatorial tendencies.”