Enugu Native Doctor Arrested After 500 Ritual Padlocks Found at Shrine

A native doctor in Aninri Local Government Area has been arrested following the discovery of nearly 500 padlocks allegedly linked to ritual and occult activities at his shrine.

The Enugu State Ministry of Culture and Tourism handed the suspect over to the state police command after a joint operation with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) squad on Saturday. The raid was reportedly prompted by reports of suspicious practices at the shrine.

According to ministry sources, the padlocks were believed to be used in rituals that “lock” individuals’ fortunes or reproductive functions. When officials asked the native doctor to open the padlocks, he refused.

“The padlocks were suspected to have been used to lock up people’s destinies and women’s wombs,” a ministry official said. “He has been handed over to the state police command and will be prosecuted.”

While this arrest is linked specifically to alleged occult practices, the ministry noted that a wider oversight of traditional practitioners is underway. Future actions are expected to focus on compliance with tax obligations.

“We are going to arrest native doctors who fail to pay government-approved taxes and levies. This case, however, concerns only the allegations in Aninri,” the source added.

A video circulating on X shows a Ministry of Culture and Tourism bus escorted by armed police officers transporting several individuals from the community. Despite this, the Enugu State Police Command has not issued an official statement, and repeated attempts to reach Police Public Relations Officer Daniel Ndukwe were unsuccessful.