Governor Peter Mbah Moves to Curb Criminal Practices Among Native Doctors in Enugu

In a move that has sent ripples across Enugu State and beyond, Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has taken an unprecedented step by transmitting an Executive Bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly targeting the activities of native doctors, herbalists, and related traditional practitioners. The legislation, which many are describing as bold and timely, aims to curb what the state government describes as a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated under the guise of traditional healing and spiritual consultation.

Sources close to the Enugu State Government House disclosed that the bill, now under review by the state assembly, is the result of months of covert investigations and public complaints linking a subset of traditional practitioners to aiding and abetting crimes, including ritual killings, extortion, kidnappings, and the concealment of evidence in serious criminal cases. The government has long wrestled with the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and ensuring public safety, but the recent spike in crimes allegedly connected to these traditional figures appears to have been the final straw.

Governor Mbah, known for his reform-driven agenda and zero-tolerance approach to insecurity, reportedly drafted the bill in consultation with law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, and legal experts. While the full contents of the bill have not yet been made public, preliminary details suggest it would mandate the registration and certification of all native doctors, herbalists, spiritualists, and traditional medicine practitioners operating within the state. Those who fail to comply would face legal sanctions, including the possibility of imprisonment, fines, or outright bans from practicing.

The bill is also expected to grant regulatory powers to a new oversight body, which will operate under the Ministry of Health in conjunction with security agencies. This body would be responsible for licensing practitioners, monitoring their activities, investigating complaints, and conducting background checks before granting certification. The measure, according to those familiar with the draft, is intended to separate genuine practitioners from criminal elements hiding behind the veil of tradition.

As expected, the announcement has generated significant public interest and debate. While many residents of Enugu and neighboring states have lauded the governor’s decision as long overdue, others express caution and concern about potential overreach and the risk of trampling on age-old traditions. Community leaders and stakeholders in the traditional medicine space are reportedly seeking dialogue with the state government to understand the bill’s implications and to ensure that it does not unjustly target law-abiding practitioners.

Dr. Mbah, addressing a brief press interaction at the Government House earlier today, emphasized that the bill is not intended to erase cultural identity but to "protect our people from those who exploit our customs for selfish, dangerous ends." He stated firmly, “This is about safety. This is about peace. This is about ensuring that those who claim to heal do not become the hidden hands behind harm.”

The governor also acknowledged the positive contributions of traditional medicine and spiritual healing in many communities, pledging that the law will differentiate between legitimate healing practices and criminal activities. "We are not against culture, we are against crime. We are not criminalizing herbal medicine. We are criminalizing the use of that platform to commit or enable crimes against our people," he clarified.

Security reports in recent months have documented a disturbing pattern involving certain native doctors and herbalists allegedly providing charms or ritual services to suspected kidnappers and armed robbers. In some cases, they reportedly offered concealment or spiritual 'fortification' to shield these criminals from arrest. The government believes that these illegal activities have contributed to the rise in violent crimes, particularly in rural communities.

Public reactions on social media have been swift and passionate. Some Enugu residents took to Twitter and Facebook to praise the governor’s courage, describing him as “a leader who dares to clean out the dark corners of society.” Others, however, raised alarms about potential abuses of the proposed law, warning that it could be used to harass innocent practitioners or violate religious freedoms.

The Enugu State House of Assembly is expected to begin deliberations on the bill in the coming days. Early signs suggest strong support from the majority of lawmakers, many of whom represent constituencies where incidents of ritual-related crimes have stirred public outrage. Analysts predict that, barring any major opposition, the bill could be passed within weeks.

Traditional institutions and civil society groups are also beginning to weigh in. The Enugu Council of Elders, in a statement signed by its chairman, Chief Emeka Anike, expressed cautious support for the bill but urged transparency and consultation to avoid what it termed “a witch-hunt against heritage.” The council called for an inclusive stakeholder summit before the bill becomes law, to ensure that all voices are heard.

In contrast, human rights groups such as the Southeast Coalition for Civil Liberty have warned against the “blanket criminalization” of traditional belief systems. The group demanded clear definitions in the bill and safeguards against unlawful arrests. “The law must not be used to stifle freedom of belief or expression under the guise of security,” their spokesperson said.

Despite the mixed reactions, what is clear is that Governor Peter Mbah has initiated a conversation that will have deep and lasting implications for the intersection of culture, law, and security in Enugu State. His administration’s determination to reform sensitive areas of public life, even those entwined with deep-rooted customs, underscores his broader agenda of modernization and social order.

Observers say that the success of this legislation will depend largely on how it is implemented—whether with fairness, sensitivity, and respect for due process—or whether it spirals into controversy over perceived religious or ethnic bias. Either way, it appears Enugu is on the cusp of a significant legal and cultural shift.

As the bill advances through the legislative process, all eyes will be on the Enugu State House of Assembly, where lawmakers now face the challenge of translating the governor’s vision into a law that balances security with tradition. For now, the message from the Government House is unambiguous: the era of unregulated traditional practice shielding crime is drawing to a close.