In a decisive move to curb rising cases of ritual killings, fake spiritual practices, and property-related crimes, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State has proposed a far-reaching Executive Bill aimed at regulating spiritual and traditional practices, enhancing property accountability, and strengthening public safety. The bill, which sets out stiff penalties including fines running into millions of naira and prison terms of up to 20 years, is designed to deter criminal exploitation of religious spaces, clamp down on ritualistic use of human parts, and hold property owners accountable for aiding criminal activities.
Spiritual and Traditional Practices
1. *Practicing spiritual services without registration*:
- Fine of not less than N1 million and not more than N5 million, OR
- Two-year imprisonment, OR
- Both.
2. *Administering charms/substances for criminal invincibility or supernatural wealth acquisition*:
- Imprisonment for a term of six (6) years, OR
- Fine of not less than five million naira (N5,000,000), OR
- Both.
3. *Falsely claiming supernatural powers for gain/influence*:
- Imprisonment for a term of three (3) years, OR
- Fine of not less than three million naira (N3,000,000), OR
- Both.
4. *Using or knowingly permitting the use of any religious place for the commission or facilitation of a crime*:
- Six years of imprisonment, OR
- Fine of N5 million, OR
- Both.
- Additionally, sealing of the facility pending the outcome of investigation.
Crimes Involving Human Parts and Kidnapping
1. *Performing, facilitating, demanding, directing, or participating in any ritual or traditional practice involving the use of human parts*:
- Imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years without the option of a fine.
2. *Owning, occupying, or controlling land/building and knowingly allowing it to be used for kidnapping or banditry*:
- Imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years without the option of a fine.
3. *Knowingly allowing unauthorized persons on land*:
- Two-year imprisonment without an option of fine.
Property-Related Offenses
1. *Knowingly failing to report suspicious use of property*:
- Imprisonment for a term of two (2) years without the option of a fine.
2. *Contravention of land/property laws*:
- Forfeiture of land, property, or structure to the Government of Enugu State.
3. *Proceeds of crime*:
- Forfeiture to the Enugu State Government, unless a lawful and verifiable owner claims it within a reasonable time.
Other Offenses
1. *Landlords contravening provisions*:
- Fine of not less than N500,000.
2. *Proprietors of hotels and lodging facilities contravening provisions*:
- Fine of not less than N1 million.
