The absence of three native doctors, including Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa okuko tiwaraki), Onyebuchi Okocha (Onyeze Jesus), and Ekene Igboekweze (Eke Hit), on Friday, stalled their resumed trial at the court.

The state government accused the native doctors of allegedly preparing charms for suspected criminals and engaging in money rituals. All three pleaded not guilty to the charges.

They were initially arraigned before Justice Jude Obiorah of the Anambra State High Court, Awka, on Friday, April 11, in a suit filed by the state government.

Their pleas were taken, and the matter was subsequently adjourned to Friday, May 16, 2025.

However, when the trial came up for hearing on Friday, May 16, it could not proceed due to their absence in court, and the matter was adjourned to June 20.

No explanation was given for their absence, but the defence counsels said they had not even been informed.

Following their absence, Justice Obiorah adjourned the case to June 20, 2025, for further proceedings.

Every effort to speak to any of the prosecution counsels proved abortive as they refused to entertain any question from the press.

The native doctors were first arraigned on April 4, 2025, about a month after their arrest by operatives of the Anambra security outfit, Agunechemba, established under the state?s new Homeland Security law.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo had earlier declared a clampdown on native doctors following the launch of Operation Udogachi and other security efforts aimed at curbing ritual-related crimes in the state. (Saturday PUNCH)

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