A lawyer identified as Marshal has reportedly petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), accusing authorities in Anambra State of: Torture, Religious persecution, Human rights violations
The petition specifically calls for an investigation into a security outfit or militia allegedly linked to the state government under Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
The lawyer claims that traditional worshippers (African Traditional Religion practitioners) are being: Arbitrarily arrested, Detained, Subjected to torture and degrading treatment
The petition alleges targeted actions against traditional religion practitioners, suggesting, Discrimination compared to other religions and Suppression of indigenous spiritual practices
A security group or task force allegedly operating with state backing is accused of: Enforcing crackdowns and Harassing native doctors and traditionalists
Critics describe this group as a militia, though the government presents such operations as security enforcement. The petition reportedly asks the AGF to Launch an independent investigation, Probe the role of the Anambra State government, Examine alleged human rights violations, Hold any culpable officials accountable
This petition didn’t emerge in isolation. There has been ongoing tension between The state government and Traditional religion practitioners
Traditional worshippers have previously protested government policies, claiming bias and violation of religious freedom.
Some groups argue laws and actions in the state unfairly criminalise indigenous spirituality.
Though Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has publicly denied targeting religion, stating that the crackdown is not against traditional religion itself, that's aimed at criminal elements posing as native doctors, that hIs government supports freedom of worship, but will act when practices lead to crime (e.g., rituals linked to kidnapping or fraud)
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