A witch doctor from Abia State has been arrested in Enugu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State for unlawfully setting up a shrine and practicing without authorization.

Authorities have reiterated their stance—only indigenous native doctors from Anambra are permitted to operate within the state. Any non-indigene found violating this directive will face immediate arrest and prosecution.

This crackdown is part of efforts to regulate traditional practices and ensure compliance with local laws.

The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations has expressed concern over the growing trend of Nigerians migrating abroad in search of better opportunities, commonly referred to as the “Japa” syndrome.

The committee, chaired by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi), has vowed to address this issue as part of its strategy to strengthen the nation’s economy and reduce mass emigration.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, emphasised the importance of reversing the trend for the benefit of the country.

“This committee will do this by collaborating with relevant stakeholders in the area of making Nigerians particularly the youth, believe more in their country and not the mindset of wanting to rush out of the country.

“Patriotism is earned and not forced. We need to identify a few steps that we can use in building our economy here using our diaspora energy.

“We’re going to look into countries like India, Pakistan, even Egypt, in Africa here on how they have grown their capacities and making their countries attractive for a larger percentage of citizenry to stay.

“The committee will start this process by getting the database of Nigerians in Diaspora, country by country and also collaborate with various international organisations on areas of focus that can attract many of them back home.

“India is a very good example of reversing the japa syndrome by being the Information and Communication Technology capacity hub of the world with attendant jobs for its citizens,” Akpoti-Uduaghan added.

In his remarks, the former chairman of the committee, Senator Victor Umeh (APGA, Anambra), expressed confidence in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s leadership.

He praised her for possessing the necessary skills to lead the committee effectively and galvanize efforts to tap into the potential of Nigeria’s diaspora communities. “With Senator Natasha as Chairman, I am confident that the committee will make significant strides in reversing the ‘Japa’ syndrome,” Umeh said.

A High Court in Akwa Ibom has sentenced Professor Ignatius Uduk to three years in prison for publishing false election results and perjury.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) brought the charges against Uduk for his actions in the 2019 Akwa Ibom North-west State House of Assembly election.

Uduk, who served as the collation and returning officer during the election, was acquitted of announcing false results but convicted of publishing fraudulent results and committing perjury.

The legal battle began in December 2020 when Uduk was first arraigned following an arrest warrant issued for his failure to appear in court.

Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, the trial faced numerous delays, including changes in his legal defense and an incident where the professor collapsed during cross-examination.

The case was initiated by the then INEC resident electoral commissioner Mike Igini.

The court’s ruling marks a significant development in INEC’s ongoing efforts to combat electoral malpractice and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.