The Anambra State Government has taken a bold step to combat illicit activities in the state by sealing a shrine in Umuofor village, Okija, in Ihiala Local Government Area. This action follows allegations that the shrine, operated by one Ekene Igboegbueze, was used to carry out illicit rituals designed to help individuals amass wealth through supernatural means.
The decision to seal the shrine was made following multiple complaints from residents of Okija and the emergence of a viral online video in which Igboegbueze openly admitted to being involved in fraudulent practices, including Oke Ite, Yahoo Plus, and Awele. These practices are known to be illegal and are in violation of Anambra State’s Homeland Security Laws.
The operation to seal the shrine was led by Mr. Ken Emeakayi, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security. Emeakayi, accompanied by operatives from Operation Udo Ga-Achi, took swift action to shut down the shrine after the video surfaced. In his statement, Emeakayi confirmed that the government’s decision was prompted by the growing concerns from residents of Okija and the alarming video evidence.
The government not only sealed the shrine but also confiscated all the properties acquired by Ekene Igboegbueze through the alleged proceeds of his fraudulent activities. “In addition to sealing the shrine, we have also confiscated all properties associated with the suspect that were obtained from the alleged illicit activities. We are committed to ensuring that such fraudulent practices are eradicated from our communities,” Emeakayi said.
He further revealed that the items recovered from the shrine would undergo forensic analysis. The results of this examination would help determine the government’s next steps and whether further legal actions should be taken.
The activities of Ekene Igboegbueze and others involved in similar practices are not isolated incidents. Fraudulent native doctors, self-proclaimed pastors, and ritualists who prey on vulnerable individuals seeking quick wealth are becoming a growing concern in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. These individuals often exploit traditional beliefs and spiritual practices to carry out illegal activities that promise people quick financial gains through supernatural means.
In Igboegbueze’s case, the viral video in which he openly confessed to performing rituals associated with “Yahoo Plus” — a notorious form of internet fraud combined with traditional rituals for wealth — shocked many viewers. Yahoo Plus is notorious for involving cybercrime, particularly in the form of scamming individuals via fraudulent online activities. The practice has been widely condemned, especially as it contributes to the rising number of internet fraud cases across Nigeria. The inclusion of traditional rituals only adds to the dangerous nature of such practices, with many youths being misled into believing that supernatural powers can help them achieve financial success without hard work.
In the video, Igboegbueze openly admitted to using practices such as Oke Ite and Awele, both of which involve rituals to attract wealth or success through unethical means. These types of rituals have long been linked to criminal activities such as fraud and human trafficking, further endangering the lives of those involved.
The Anambra State Government has shown that it is not willing to tolerate such illegal activities. Mr. Emeakayi explained that the sealing of the shrine was part of a larger effort to combat crimes related to fraudulent practices, especially those involving traditional beliefs and spiritual rituals. He noted that the Anambra State Homeland Security Laws are clear in their prohibition of these dangerous practices.
The government’s swift response is a testament to the commitment of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to improving security and eradicating illegal activities in the state. Anambra has made considerable strides in curbing crime in recent years, with the formation of Operation Udo Ga-Achi and other initiatives aimed at tackling security issues and restoring peace to affected communities.
The sealing of the shrine is part of a broader effort to discourage the practice of “get-rich-quick” mentalities that have become increasingly popular in some parts of Nigeria. The desire to quickly accumulate wealth has led many young people, particularly in the South East, to seek out native doctors and fraudulent spiritual leaders who promise them instant riches. This dangerous mindset has fuelled the rise of internet fraud and criminal activities, many of which have far-reaching consequences for both individuals and society as a whole.
The Director of Operations for Agunechemba Security Outfit, Mr. Chinenye Ihenko, has expressed his concern about the growing influence of fraudulent native doctors and pastors, particularly on the youth. He stated that such practices encourage a dangerous mentality among young people, leading them to believe that wealth can be achieved without hard work or dedication. This has contributed to the alarming rise of internet fraud and other illegal activities in the region.
“Many young people are falling into the trap of fraudsters who masquerade as spiritual leaders and native doctors. They promise them quick riches, and this leads to the spread of a dangerous ‘get-rich-quick’ mentality among our youths,” Mr. Ihenko said.
Ihenko further highlighted that this trend poses a significant threat to the security and future of the region, as it not only promotes criminal behaviour but also undermines the value of hard work and integrity.
