An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has granted bail to Ikechukwu Ezenagu, the Nnewi-based native doctor popularly known as “Muomiri Afuluanya”. The court set bail at N50 million with one surety in like sum, after he was arraigned over charges that have kept him in custody.
The judge presiding in Awka ruled that Ezenagu must produce one surety who owns landed property in Anambra and is worth N50 million. The surety must also swear to an affidavit of means. The native doctor is to deposit his international passport with the court and report to the court registrar once every month pending trial.
The judge warned that failure to meet the conditions would mean the bail is revoked and he returns to custody.
Ikechukwu Ezenagu runs a shrine in Nnewi and is one of the most talked-about native doctors in Southeast Nigeria. “Muomiri Afuluanya” translates roughly to “one who destroys evil” in Igbo. He built a large following on social media and through traditional clientele seeking spiritual protection, wealth rituals, and dispute settlement.
His arrest months ago sparked heated debate across Anambra. Supporters called him a cultural custodian and defender of tradition. Critics accused him of promoting rituals linked to violence, fraud, and illegal activities. Police have not publicly detailed all charges, but reports tied the case to allegations of aiding crime and practices deemed illegal under state law.
1. High-profile case: Native doctor cases often test the line between cultural practice, religious freedom, and public safety. This trial is being watched closely by traditionalists, Christian groups, and security agencies.
2. N50m bail: The amount signals how seriously the court views the charges. For context, many bail amounts in similar cases are far lower. The court likely wants to ensure the defendant appears for trial.
3. Anambra’s crackdown: The state government has intensified operations against native doctors accused of “money rituals” and criminal patronage. Several others have been arrested or had shrines demolished in the last year.
Ezenagu remains in detention until bail conditions are perfected. Trial dates will be set once the prosecution and defense complete pre-trial filings. His legal team says he will fight the charges and prove his innocence. Prosecutors argue the case is about protecting public order.
From shrine to courtroom, “Muomiri Afuluanya” is now fighting his biggest battle yet. N50 million bail shows the stakes are high, but the court has given him a path to defend himself outside Kuje. For Anambra, the trial will also test how the law balances culture, crime, and public safety.
