Native Doctor “Muo Mmiri Afulanya,” Arrested, Begs Soludo for Forgiveness

Security operatives in Anambra State have arrested John Paul Ezenagu, a man popularly known as “Muo Mmiri Afulanya,” for allegedly defrauding residents through fake spiritual practices.

Ezenagu is a native of Awka South Local Government Area who resides in Nnewi.

Following his arrest, a viral video showed the suspect pleading for mercy from the state government and the public.

“I am begging the governor and the people of Anambra to forgive me. I will never do this again,” Ezenagu stated in the footage.

The arrest followed a special operation led by the Special Adviser to Governor Charles Soludo on Community Security, specifically targeting crime, armed robbery, and cultism.

The suspect allegedly targets young people by promising them wealth through mystical river rituals.

He collected various sums of money from his victims, which authorities alleged he used for personal enrichment.

Failed Crocodile Ritual Triggers Law Enforcement Investigation

Preliminary investigations revealed that Ezenagu’s activities drew public suspicion after a series of failed “miracles.”

Witnesses alleged that his rituals involved attempts to summon a spirit in the form of a crocodile. When these high-profile attempts failed to manifest, disgruntled participants and curious residents alerted the authorities.

The state government conducted the arrest under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law.

This legislation protects vulnerable residents from financial exploitation tied to fraudulent spiritual claims.

“The suspect convinced participants that mystical activities by a river would bring them wealth,” a security report noted.

These gatherings had grown in size recently, causing concerns regarding public safety and the potential for communal tension.

Mixed Reactions As Government Strengthens Community Security

Reactions to the arrest have been mixed across Nnewi and social media platforms. While many residents welcomed the crackdown on exploitation, others have asked for full scope of the investigation.

Religious leaders in the state have also called for calm among the youth.

Community stakeholders noted that the case has reignited a necessary conversation about efficacy in spiritual practices. They asked residents to rely on verified information while the Special Adviser’s office completes the formal inquiry.

Some suggest economic factors often drive young people toward these unusual public activities. They noted that a careful assessment of such spiritual claims is necessary to prevent mass fraud.

The state government continues to monitor all such activities in other local government areas.

Gov. Soludo himself had once joked that if indeed these spiritual money-making schemes were effective, he would have been their first client on behalf of the state government for resources to develop the state.

John Paul Ezenagu’s arrest is only the latest in a sustained series of clampdowns against fake mystical schemes and their often-failed promises in the state.

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