An Anambra State High Court has sentenced a self-acclaimed native doctor to six years imprisonment and imposed a N20 million fine after convicting him on charges related to fraudulent activities and impersonation.
The court found the defendant guilty of falsely presenting himself as a traditional spiritual practitioner and using deceptive claims to exploit members of the public for personal financial gain. Prosecutors argued that the convict misrepresented his purported supernatural abilities to defraud unsuspecting victims.
In delivering judgment, the court held that the evidence presented established the defendant’s guilt and emphasized that fraudulent practices carried out under the guise of traditional or spiritual healing constitute serious criminal offences. The sentence includes both a custodial term and a substantial financial penalty intended to reflect the gravity of the offences.
The ruling forms part of ongoing efforts by the Anambra State Government and law enforcement agencies to clamp down on individuals who exploit religious or traditional beliefs to deceive the public. Authorities have repeatedly warned against fraudulent spiritual practitioners, stressing that such activities undermine public trust and contribute to financial crimes.
Officials described the judgment as a strong deterrent to others engaging in similar practices, reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting residents from fraudulent schemes and ensuring accountability under the law.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of verifying the credibility of individuals claiming spiritual or traditional powers and encourages members of the public to report suspected fraudulent activities to the appropriate authorities.