A coalition of 15 Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria has applauded the new Executive Bill proposed by the Enugu State Government to combat crimes and criminal enablers, particularly targeting illicit spiritual practices, kidnappers, and bandits.
They describe it as a welcome and commendable step toward improving public safety and internal security.
According to the group, the initiative, which mirrors similar legislation earlier adopted by Anambra State, rightly acknowledges the role that certain exploitative and unlawful practices may play in aiding criminal activity.
The group added that, as some civil society organisations have observed, in the case of Anambra State, it was imperative that the enactment and enforcement of this Bill strictly adhere to the principles of human rights, due process, and the rule of law.
The group stated: “The provisions targeting the misuse of traditional and spiritual practices for criminal purposes—including the outlawing of ‘ _okite_ ’, ‘ _odeshi_ ’, and other ritual-based crime-enabling practices—represent a bold move.
“So too are the regulations that require registration and oversight of native doctors, herbalists, and other spiritual practitioners. These measures can help sanitise practices that have historically been exploited to shield or promote criminality.”
It stressed that enforcement must be non-discriminatory, evidence-based, and transparent.
It also suggested that safeguards must be in place to prevent abuse, wrongful arrests, and stigmatisation of legitimate cultural and spiritual practitioners.
It noted that the burden placed on individuals to “prove supernatural powers” also raises serious questions about the burden of proof and the standard of evidence that law enforcement may rely upon.
The words of the group: “We, the undersigned, note that some of the Bill’s provisions—such as mandatory surveillance by hotel operators, compulsory monthly reports by community leaders, and potential property forfeitures—carry significant implications for privacy, civil liberties, and ownership rights, and must be balanced carefully with constitutional protections.
“Moreover, clauses allowing detention based on ‘reasonable suspicion’ of loitering in forests or uncompleted buildings must not become a license for arbitrary arrest or profiling, especially of young or vulnerable persons.
“We urge the Enugu State House of Assembly to conduct inclusive public hearings to receive input from legal experts, civil society groups, traditional institutions, and affected stakeholders.
“Insert clear checks and oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power and ensure accountability in enforcement, ensure compliance with constitutional rights to fair hearing, protection from arbitrary detention, and freedom of belief and provide clear definitions and guidelines to law enforcement officers on the application of the law to prevent misuse.”
The group stated that as a civil society, it remains committed to supporting evidence-based, rights-compliant solutions to insecurity and criminality in Nigeria.
“We look forward to the final version of the Enugu State Bill incorporating strong safeguards that uphold both public safety and individual rights,” the group said.
Members of the CSOs that signed the statement are Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Spaces for Change (S4C), Parent-Child Intervention Centre (PCIC), Sisters With A Goal Initiative (SWAG), ÓNÚRÚBÉ coalition against gender-based violence, Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Foundation For Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Better Community Life Initiative, Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights – CCIDESOR, Imo State, Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation FCT, Serene Society Initiative (Serene), Nchekwa Ndi Ogbenye Foundation, Ethics and Corporate Compliance Institute of Nigeria, Vision Spring Initiatives and Vivacious Development Initiate (VIDI)
