An Anambra State High Court in Awka has granted ₦50 million bail to controversial Nnewi-based native doctor, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, popularly known as “Muomiri Afuluanya,” who is standing trial over alleged violations of the state’s Homeland Security Law.
Justice Jude Obiora, who presided over the case on Friday, ordered that the defendant provide one surety in like sum and deposit the title documents of his residential property as part of the bail conditions.
The court ruled that the property would be forfeited to the state if Ezenagu absconds during the trial. Justice Obiora also barred the defendant from granting media interviews while the case remains before the court.
“The defendant has been granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million with one surety in like sum. He shall also deposit the title documents of his house, which shall be forfeited if he jumps bail,” the judge ruled.
Reacting to the ruling, one of the defence counsel, Kingsley Awuka, welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as fair.
“The court was gracious in granting the bail, and deservedly so. The conditions are reasonable and within the capacity of the defendant to meet. We are confident justice will take its course,” he said.
The prosecution, led by Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, is prosecuting Ezenagu on charges bordering on alleged violations of the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
Ezenagu was arrested on March 26, 2026, by operatives of Agunechemba, the Anambra State Government’s security outfit, during a crackdown on activities allegedly linked to ritual practices and insecurity.
Following his arrest, security operatives searched his residence in Nnewi as part of ongoing investigations.
The native doctor was first brought before the court on June 3 from a hospital, where his lawyer sought bail on health grounds and requested that he be allowed to continue receiving medical treatment pending the hearing of the application.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, urging the court to remand him until the bail application was determined.
Justice Obiora subsequently ordered that Ezenagu be remanded at the Amawbia Correctional Centre, where he remained until Friday’s ruling granting him bail.
According to the Anambra State Government, Ezenagu was arrested over allegations that he encouraged young people to seek wealth through ritual practices.
Speaking shortly after the arrest in March, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, alleged that the suspect invited youths to patronise him with promises of becoming wealthy after performing certain rituals, including bathing in a stream located behind his residence.
The state government said such activities contravened the provisions of the Anambra Homeland Security Law, adding that Ezenagu had allegedly ignored previous warnings to stop the practice.
The case has attracted significant public attention as Governor Soludo’s administration intensifies its campaign against suspected ritual practices, criminality and activities believed to fuel insecurity across Anambra State.
The matter was adjourned for the continuation of trial.
