**Anambra Governor Clamps Down on Native Doctors Promising Wealth Without Work** Anambra State Governor **Charles Soludo** explained his administration's decision to crack down on some native doctors in the state, citing concerns over crimes committed under the guise of traditional worship. Speaking at a media chat in Akwa, the state capital, Soludo emphasized that his government supports freedom of worship and traditional religion, but will not tolerate activities that breed criminality. "We understand traditional religion, and we also understand the difference between traditional religion and criminal idolatry," Soludo said. "Anybody can worship the way you want, provided you realise that your own right ends where the other person's own starts." The governor warned that where traditional practices and preachings breed criminality, the state government will intervene. Soludo highlighted the involvement of some native doctors in preparing charms for kidnappers and armed robbers, as well as engaging in evil practices such as human sacrifices for money and protection. He stated that it was the duty of the state government to stop diabolical rituals that have given rise to evil practices like 'Ego Mbute,' 'Oke-Ite,' and 'Yahoo Plus,' which are making a speedy return to Igbo socio-cultural life. The governor emphasized the need to expose and deal decisively with native doctors involved in nefarious acts, which he said have nothing to do with genuine traditional medicine and activities relating to God and humanity. Soludo's administration has recently arrested and prosecuted some native doctors for alleged violations. In a recent operation, the Anambra State Agunechemba Strike Force arrested a Nnewi-based native doctor, **Johnpaul Ezenagu**, popularly known as "Mmuo Mmili Afulu Anya," over allegations of performing illegal rituals and supplying counterfeit currency to internet fraudsters. Operatives, led by **Ken Emeakayi**, Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Community Security, raided Ezenagu's residence in Nnewi during a search operation. The suspect reportedly guided the team to a water shrine where the alleged rituals were conducted. As part of efforts to verify Ezenagu's claims of summoning a water goddess, said to appear in the form of an alligator, the native doctor performed several invocations, which reportedly produced no result. Another self-acclaimed native doctor, **Chidozie Nwangwu**, popularly known as "Akwa Okuku Tiwara Aki n'Oba," was sentenced to two years' imprisonment in February following his arrest by the Anambra State Government last year. The High Court sitting in Awka ruled that part of the sentence would run concurrently with the period already spent in custody.