The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State to release traditional worshippers and native doctors who have been detained for over three months without facing any formal charges.
Intersociety reports that more than 40 traditional worshippers and native doctors are currently being held in detention in the state, without any charges brought against them. The human rights group has raised serious concerns regarding this prolonged detention, which they claim violates the fundamental human rights of the detainees, particularly their right to religious freedom.
Mr. Emeka Umeagbalasi, the chairman of Intersociety, noted in a statement that the individuals have been held in Awka, the state capital, for more than 60 days without any formal charges or a court hearing. He criticized the government’s actions as a clear violation of the Nigerian Constitution, which limits detention without charge to a maximum of 48 hours, except in cases involving serious criminal offenses.
The group stressed that the Anambra State government had far exceeded the legally prescribed detention period. According to Nigerian law, detainees should not be held for longer than 48 hours without being charged, or 60 days in cases of capital offenses. In this case, the group argued, the prolonged detention of the traditional worshippers and native doctors is unlawful.
Intersociety also expressed concern over the negative impact this situation could have on Governor Soludo’s reputation and authority. They accused the state government of tarnishing the reputations of the detainees by publicly labeling them as individuals involved in “fetish” and “demonic religious practices” without any proof of their involvement in criminal activities. The group noted that no evidence has been presented to support the claims that these individuals were connected to violent crimes.
The group called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained, noting that their continued imprisonment without charges or trial violates their basic rights. Intersociety further criticized the state government for what it termed “humiliation” and “degradation” of the detainees.
This call for action comes shortly after Governor Soludo imposed a ban on open gospel preaching in Anambra State. The ban, which also includes a hefty fine for violators, has sparked further concern over the governor’s stance on religious freedom. Intersociety compared the new regulations to military-era Decree 2 of 1984, which allowed for the detention of individuals without trial. The group described this move as another example of authoritarian behavior, with potential long-term implications for the freedom of religious practice in the state.
