BY CHIJIOKE CHARLES
A High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, on Friday adjourned the arraignment of a popular native doctor, Johnpaul Ezenagu, popularly known as “Muo Mmili Afuluanya”, after he appeared too ill to take his plea.
Mr Ezenagu, who was arrested on March 12 in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area, was brought into court but was visibly unable to walk properly, prompting his lawyer, Kingsley Awuka, to inform the court that the defendant was sick.
However, the prosecution team, led by the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), pushed back, suggesting that the defendant “might be feigning illness to frustrate his arraignment.”
Ruling on the matter, the presiding judge, Jude Obiora, held that the defendant was unfit to stand trial at the moment and adjourned the case until June 3. He also ordered that Mr Ezenagu be moved to a hospital for proper medical treatment.
Speaking after the session, defence counsel Awuka said he was aware his client was ill but did not realise “it was serious enough to prevent him from standing properly,” expressing hope that he would recover before the next hearing.
Mr Ezenagu is facing a five-count charge bordering on alleged claims of supernatural powers and related activities. According to the charge sheet, he is accused of promoting “the accumulation of wealth by supernatural means,” performing sacrifices by “throwing and pouring items into water,” and “misleading the public about possession of supernatural powers.”
He is also accused of obtaining rewards from members of the public under such claims and representing himself “as a witch, with powers of witchcraft.”
The prosecution told the court that the alleged offences violate Sections 18 and 19 of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, as well as Section 192(a) of the Criminal Code, CAP 36, Revised Laws of Anambra State 1991.
The stalled arraignment comes barely two months after a similar case in the state, where a high court sentenced another native doctor, Chukwudozie Nwangwu, to 12 years’ imprisonment for related offences.
The charges against Mr Ezenagu are tied to the enforcement of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law signed in January 2025 by Governor Charles Soludo, which created the Agunechemba vigilante group and outlawed practices linked to criminal activities, including ritual-based wealth claims and roadside sacrifices.
The law prescribes up to six years’ imprisonment, a N20 million fine, or both for offenders, as part of broader efforts to curb insecurity in the state.
