Imo police warn unlicensed native doctors, decry child trafficking

The Imo State Police Command has warned unlicensed and “mischievous” native doctors operating in the state to vacate or be ready to face the wrath of the law if apprehended.

This followed a communiqué issued at the end of an extraordinary meeting of traditional rulers in the state, led by Eze Emmanuel Okeke, wherein the monarch mandated all existing native doctors and traditionalists in the state to come forward for verification and registration.

The Command’s spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, stated this during a quarterly meeting between the police and civil society organizations in the state, organized by Cleen Foundation, held at the Command’s headquarters in Owerri over the weekend.

Okoye said the Command has, in the past few years, arrested over 10 native doctors linked to various crimes, including kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robbery, and other related offenses. Most of them were arraigned at the conclusion of investigations regarding their involvement in the crimes committed.

He said, “Given the recent spate of crimes involving these mischievous native doctors, the Command is warning all those practicing charms or aiding and abetting crimes in the state to vacate immediately.

“We are going to make sure they don’t feel comfortable staying here or conducting their illicit businesses in Imo State. As a Command, we are going to clamp down on them and ensure they face the law accordingly.”

The Imo Police spokesman also expressed concern over the prevalence of child trafficking in the state and urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant about the movement and safety of their children.

He disclosed that the Command has arrested over ten child traffickers and rescued eight stolen children, adding, “While the children have been reunited with their families, the suspects have been charged to court and are currently cooling their heels at the Nigeria Correctional Service, Owerri.”

Also, speaking on allegations of the Command’s personnel being involved in extortion and other forms of professional misconduct, Okoye said, “We have strengthened our disciplinary mechanism to ensure that once these officers are identified, they will face the necessary sanctions.”