In a bold and controversial move, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has announced that all ‘Oke-ite’ pots confiscated from native doctors will undergo forensic analysis to determine if they contain human blood. The governor made this declaration in Awka while addressing the ongoing crackdown on alleged criminal activities linked to traditional spiritualists and religious leaders.
Over 30 native doctors and pastors have been arrested in connection with suspected collaborations with kidnappers, internet fraudsters (Yahoo Yahoo), and ritualists. Soludo warned that any native doctor found with an Oke-ite pot containing human blood would not be released.
“Many Oke-ite are now in our custody, and the only thing that can save their owners is if forensic tests show no traces of human blood,” Soludo stated. He accused the arrested individuals of deceiving young people by creating charms that supposedly allow them to evade security checks while transporting hard drugs. According to him, when these tricks failed, the criminals turned to cyber fraud, and when that also failed, they resorted to kidnapping.
This development has sparked heated debates, with critics questioning whether the government’s actions amount to a clampdown on traditional religious practices or a necessary step in combating crime. The results of the forensic tests could determine the fate of those arrested—and potentially shake the foundations of Anambra’s spiritual landscape.
