The Anambra State government has confirmed the ongoing detention and investigation of native doctors suspected of engaging in fraudulent and criminal activities, particularly “get-rich-quick” schemes linked to “Okeite” practices.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said security agencies are conducting thorough investigations into the detained individuals, emphasizing that those found guilty will face the full weight of the law.
Mefor noted that this action aligns with the 2025 Homeland Law, which aims to rid the state of criminal elements and regulate traditional medicine practices. He clarified that while the government is documenting traditional medicine practitioners, it is not registering or issuing practice certificates to them.
The commissioner added that the decision was reaffirmed during Monday’s State Executive Council meeting, where several key development projects were also approved.
“The Anambra State government is committed to sanitizing the practice of traditional medicine and ensuring that individuals who exploit unsuspecting residents for fraudulent purposes are brought to justice. Thorough investigations are ongoing, and those found culpable will be prosecuted accordingly,” the statement read.
Key Development Projects Approved
As part of its broader development agenda, the state government has approved multiple infrastructure projects:
- Nzam Headquarters Road Construction
- Location: Anambra West Local Government Area
- Cost: ₦801.5 million
- Contractor: Kanubeen Construction Ltd.
- Expected Completion: Six weeks
- Urban Boys Secondary School Upgrades (Fegge, Onitsha South LGA)
- Cost: ₦48.5 million
- Project Scope: Construction of staff offices, an examination hall, and a laboratory building
- Contractor: Harriets Millennium Estate Nigeria Ltd.
Additionally, the government has approved requests from various communities for the takeover of their community-built secondary schools. These schools will be upgraded to meet public school standards, and their teachers will be integrated into the state’s teaching workforce.
Non-Indigene Documentation Guidelines
Mefor further disclosed that the State Executive Council has directed communities documenting non-indigenes to do so without imposing charges, emphasizing that the process should be treated as a social responsibility rather than a revenue-generating venture.
