Native doctor facing trial for ritual practices gets N50 million bail

A native doctor in Anambra State, Nigeria, has been granted N50 million bail by the state high court in Awka. Johnpaul Ezenagu, known as “Muo Mmili Afuluanya,” faces trial for alleged ritual practices, a case that has seen previous delays due to his ill-health.

During Friday's hearing, the trial judge, Jude Obiora, approved the bail application, requiring Ezenagu to provide a surety in the same amount. Additionally, he must deposit title documents for his residence, which will be forfeited if he absconds. The court also imposed a restriction on granting press interviews while the trial is ongoing.

Ezenagu was arrested in March by the Agunechemba vigilante group. He faces a five-count charge, including propagating the accumulation of wealth through supernatural means, performing sacrifices in public areas, and falsely claiming supernatural powers. The charges stem partly from the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, initiated by Governor Charles Soludo, which targets practices like making charms for criminal purposes and performing sacrifices on roads.

Ezenagu's lawyer, Kingsley Awuka, expressed satisfaction with the bail, citing his client's health conditions. The prosecution, led by Anambra State Attorney-General Tobechukwu Nweke, had initially opposed the bail, requesting the court to remand Ezenagu in prison. The trial has been adjourned to July 3.

“

The court was gracious in granting the bail, and deservedly so.