Anambra Government Cracks Down on Church Over Alleged Ritual Practices

The Anambra State Government has sealed off a popular church, “Children of the Light Anointing Ministry,” over alleged involvement in controversial traditional practices. The church, located in Amafor village, Nkpor, was sealed by operatives of the state security outfit, “Agunechemba,” during a visit to the premises on Sunday.

According to a post on the Anambra State government’s X handle, the church was sealed following public complaints and a video where the pastor, Onyebuchi Okocha, allegedly admitted to practicing “Oke Ite” and other dubious rituals.

Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to the Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo, on Community Security, led the team that sealed the church. Emeakayi stated that the action was taken to curb fraudulent religious and ritualistic practices in the state.

The “Oke Ite” practice, which involves the use of human parts, animals, and herbs mixed in a mud pot, has been identified as a fraudulent scheme used by native doctors to deceive unsuspecting victims. The state authorities have sealed several shrines and arrested individuals engaged in this practice.

The church’s pastor, Onyebuchi Okocha, also known as “Onye Eze Jesus,” has gained popularity for his style of taking followers to a river in Nkpor for ritual baths. However, the state government has vowed to investigate the practice and determine any potential health hazards associated with it.

The investigation will involve forensic tests on liquid substances found at the ministry, as well as analysis of samples from River Bethsaida, where the pastor conducts the ritual baths.

The Anambra State government has emphasized its commitment to curbing fraudulent religious and ritualistic practices in the state. The government has urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The sealing of the church is part of a broader crackdown on fraudulent activities in the state. The government has also arrested several individuals engaged in “Oke Ite” practices and sealed their shrines.