The Anambra Government yesterday arraigned three native doctors before an Anambra State High Court for alleged involvement in criminal activities.

The suspects are Chidozie Nwangwu popularly known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki”, Onyebuchi Okocha known as “Onye Eze” and Ekene Igboezekwe popularly known as “Eke Hit”.

They were charged in suit Numbers A/41C2025, A/40C2025 and A/42C2025 respectively with alleged claims of possessing supernatural powers to make money, stagnate destiny as well as conspiracy to commit felony to wit kidnapping and obtaining by fraud.

The suspects were arrested in February, about a month after the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, declared war on native doctors following the signing of the Anambra State Homeland Security law, which birthed the launch of the state “Agunechemba” and “Operation Udo-ga-chi” security outfits.

They were arrested because it is believed that their activities were fueling the rising insecurity in the state which has reportedly reduced since the state government introduced the “Agunechemba” security outfit. Agunechemba operatives arrested the native doctors in February at their various locations in the state. They have been in detention since then.

Opinions were however divided on the arrests, as the development triggered a series of protests by traditional religion practitioners in the state who expressed their displeasure that the action was targeted at them.

Their arraignment followed massive criticism over alleged arbitrary detention of the accused for over 60 days without trial or access to family members.

The Prosecution Counsel, Mr. F. C. Okeke, told the court that the charges against the suspects had been served on them and that they were ready to proceed with the case.

But the Defence Counsel took turns to inform the court that the processes were not served in good time to enable them to respond.

According to one of the defence attorneys, Mr. Remigus Okoli, “the state government came with a plot to remand the defendants, but proper service and giving the accused adequate time to prepare for defence are very fundamental as enshrined in the constitution and relevant laws of the state.”

Okoli expressed confidence that “the law is on their side in defending the accused.”

The charges were consequently not read in detail as a result of the development.

The presiding Judge, Justice Jude Obiora, ordered that the suspects should be returned to Agunechemba detention facility pending proper service of processes.

Justice Obiora adjourned the cases to April 11 for proper arraignment and pleadings.