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The legal battle involving Nnewi-based traditional water priest, Ikechukwu John-Paul Ezenagu, popularly known as “Muomili Afuluanya,” took a significant turn on June 19, 2026, when the Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka granted him bail in the sum of N50 million after months in detention and amid growing legal arguments over his health condition, constitutional rights, and the application of the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Jude Obiora of the Homeland Security Special Court, came after the prosecution, led by the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, withdrew its opposition to the defendant’s application for bail on health grounds.
The case, which has attracted widespread public attention since Ezenagu’s arrest in March 2026, is widely regarded as one of the first major prosecutions under the controversial Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025, enacted by the state government as part of efforts to combat insecurity and activities allegedly linked to criminality.
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Bail Hearing and Withdrawal of Objections
Proceedings leading to the bail ruling had initially been scheduled for June 15, 2026, but the hearing could not proceed due to the absence of the Attorney-General, who was reported to be engaged in an important state assignment. The matter was consequently adjourned to June 19, 2026.
At the resumed hearing, defence counsel, Barrister Bona Oraekwe, who led other members of the legal team, including Femi Joseph Esq., informed the court that two applications previously found in the court records were unrelated to the matter before the court. He consequently withdrew the applications, explaining that the defence had earlier requested the court registrar to discountenance them and retain only the substantive bail application numbered A/984/M/2026.
The Attorney-General subsequently withdrew the prosecution’s counter-affidavit opposing the bail application, particularly in light of the health concerns raised by the defence.
Following the withdrawal, Nweke urged the court to admit the defendant to bail but requested that the court impose conditions capable of guaranteeing his attendance throughout the trial.
The prosecution’s decision marked a notable shift from its earlier opposition to the application and paved the way for the court to determine the matter on its merits.
Court Grants Bail with Stringent Conditions
In his ruling, Justice Obiora granted Ezenagu bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum.
The court directed that the surety must reside within the jurisdiction. The equally ordered the defendant to deposit title documents relating to his property with the court as part of the bail conditions.
The judge further ruled that the property would stand forfeited to the Anambra State Government should the defendant fail to appear for trial.
Justice Obiora also imposed a restriction preventing the defendant from granting interviews to journalists or making public comments to the media on the substantive matter while the case remains pending before the court.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until July 3, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
Following the perfection of the bail conditions, Ezenagu was released from the Awka Custodial Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service, where he had remained in custody since his arrest.
Charges Under Homeland Security Law
The defendant is facing a five-count charge filed by the Anambra State Government under provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025 and the Criminal Code of Anambra State.
According to the charge signed by Attorney-General Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, and Chief State Counsel F.C. Okeke, the state alleges that Ezenagu used both physical and digital platforms to promote claims of supernatural wealth acquisition and spiritual powers.
Count One: Propagation of Wealth Through Supernatural Means
The prosecution alleges that between March 2025 and February 2026, Ezenagu propagated to members of the public, both directly and through posts on Facebook, TikTok, and other social media platforms, the acquisition of wealth through supernatural means rather than through lawful means of livelihood.
The charge was brought under Section 18(1) of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
Count Two: Sacrificial Activities in Water Bodies
The state further alleges that during the same period, the defendant threw and poured sacrificial items into a water body at Nnewichi, Nnewi, purportedly to assist clients in obtaining wealth through supernatural means.
This allegation forms the basis of a charge under Section 18(2) of the Homeland Security Law.
Count Three: Alleged Misrepresentation of Supernatural Powers
The prosecution claims that Ezenagu misled members of the public by presenting himself as possessing supernatural powers capable of summoning mermaids and communicating with water spirits.
According to the charge, such representations were made through activities and social media posts and constitute a violation of Section 18(3) of the Homeland Security Law.
Count Four: Receiving Rewards Through Claimed Spiritual Powers
The fourth count accuses the defendant of obtaining rewards and financial benefits from members of the public through claims that he possessed powers to summon mermaids and other water spirits on behalf of clients.
The state contends that such powers do not exist and that the defendant received payments based on those representations.
Count Five: Representation as a Witch
In the final count, the prosecution alleges that Ezenagu represented himself as possessing powers of witchcraft contrary to Section 192(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 36, Revised Laws of Anambra State 1991.
The particulars of the offence state that his alleged claims regarding the ability to conjure mermaids and water spirits amounted to holding himself out as possessing powers of witchcraft.
Defence Relies on Constitutional Rights and Health Concerns
The application for bail was brought pursuant to Sections 35(1), 36(5), and 46 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Section 71(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State 2022, and the inherent jurisdiction of the court. 
In the motion, the defence sought an order admitting the defendant to bail pending the hearing and determination of Charge No. A/40C/2026.
Among the grounds advanced were that the offences charged are not capital offences and are therefore ordinarily bailable. The defence further argued that Ezenagu remained entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence and personal liberty until proven guilty.
The application also emphasized that investigations had already been concluded and that there was no evidence suggesting the defendant would interfere with witnesses or obstruct the judicial process.
According to the defence, Ezenagu has a fixed place of residence, substantial business interests, strong community ties, and responsible sureties willing to stand for him.
The defence also maintained that he is a licensed traditional medical practitioner with no previous criminal record.
Wife Details Health Challenges in Supporting Affidavit
A key component of the bail application was the affidavit sworn to by the defendant’s wife, Mrs. Ezinne Mercy Ikechukwu, who detailed what she described as the circumstances of her husband’s arrest and deteriorating health condition.
According to the affidavit, Ezenagu was arrested on March 10, 2026, by operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit and had remained in custody continuously thereafter.
The affidavit alleged that he was blindfolded during the arrest and compelled to record a video denying that he had been arrested.
The deponent further informed the court that the defendant’s health had significantly worsened during detention and that he had been admitted to hospital on several occasions between March and June 2026.
Among the ailments listed were alleged rectal bleeding, vomiting of blood, and kidney-related complications.
To support these claims, the defence tendered medical reports, laboratory findings, photographs, prescriptions, professional licences, incorporation documents, tax clearance certificates, and a community attestation letter.
Mrs. Ikechukwu further stated that her husband is the family’s breadwinner and that his continued detention had imposed severe hardship on the household.
She maintained that he has no criminal record, is not a violent individual, has never absconded from any legal process, and would continue to make himself available whenever required by the court.
Legal Arguments Presented by Defence
In a written address accompanying the application, the defence argued that sufficient materials had been placed before the court to justify the grant of bail.
Counsel relied on several judicial authorities, including Eye v. FRN, Bamaiyi v. State, Ekwenugo v. FRN, Dantata v. Police, Suleman v. Commissioner of Police, and Nwude v. FRN.
The defence submitted that the primary purpose of bail is not punitive but to ensure the attendance of an accused person during trial.
It argued that the defendant had demonstrated exceptional circumstances warranting the court’s discretion in his favour, including his medical condition, family responsibilities, business interests, fixed residence, professional status, availability of sureties, and lack of criminal antecedents.
Counsel further contended that the constitutional presumption of innocence and right to personal liberty strongly favoured the grant of bail pending trial.
State’s Security Crackdown and Arrest
Ezenagu’s arrest formed part of a broader security operation launched by the Anambra State Government against certain native doctors, traditionalists, and spiritual practitioners suspected of providing charms, spiritual fortification, and other forms of assistance to criminal elements operating within the state.
The government has consistently maintained that the Homeland Security Law 2025 was enacted to strengthen public safety, discourage practices believed to encourage criminality, and dismantle support networks allegedly aiding violent crimes.
Prosecutors contend that Ezenagu’s activities fall within the conduct prohibited by the law and have vowed to pursue the case to its logical conclusion.
The defence, however, maintains that the allegations remain unproven and insists that the defendant is entitled to all constitutional protections available to an accused person until the court reaches a final determination.
With bail now granted and the defendant released from custody, attention shifts to the substantive trial scheduled to resume on July 3, 2026, when the court is expected to begin hearing evidence on the allegations that have generated intense legal, political, and public debate across Anambra State and beyond.
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