Soludo's Security Aide Responds to Viral Plea from Wife of Detained Native Doctor
In a dramatic development, the Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo on Homeland Security, Chief Ken Emeakayi, has firmly denied allegations that he is personally responsible for the continued detention of controversial native doctor Ekene Igboekweze, popularly known as Eke-Hit. This comes after Eke-Hit's wife released an emotional video pleading for her husband's release after exactly one year in custody.
Wife's Emotional Appeal Goes Viral
In a video that has circulated widely across social media platforms, Eke-Hit's wife, who identified herself as Adadiche, made a heartfelt appeal for her husband's freedom. She directly accused Chief Ken Emeakayi, who also serves as Commander of Operation Udogachi, of intentionally keeping her husband detained without just cause.
"As far as I'm concerned, it is not the Anambra state government that is holding my husband," Adadiche stated in the video. "It is Chief Ken Emeakayi who is responsible for my husband's predicament. He has been holding my husband for over one year now."
The wife questioned why her husband remains in detention despite what she claims is a lack of evidence against him. She pointed out that pictures found in his house, which authorities cited as evidence, are similar to those submitted in churches for prayer requests. She also challenged authorities to present any concrete evidence linking Eke-Hit to ritual practices or criminal activities.
Background of the Case
Eke-Hit was arrested on February 12, 2025, by operatives of Operation Udogachi in Anambra State. The arrest was part of a broader crackdown on native doctors following Governor Soludo's signing of the Homeland Security Law in January 2025, aimed at addressing rising insecurity and fraudulent traditional practices in the state.
The native doctor was specifically accused of involvement in ritual practices, including "Oke-ite" (a wealth ritual) and "Yahoo Plus" (internet fraud-related rituals). His shrine in Umuofor village, Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area was subsequently sealed by state authorities.
Eke-Hit was arraigned in court alongside two other native doctors, Akwa Okuko and Onye Eze Jesus, in April 2025. All three have remained in detention since their court appearance, with their case still pending before the judicial system.
Official Response from Soludo's Administration
Responding to the wife's allegations, Chief Emeakayi's office issued a statement through Comrade Nweke Nweke, Media and Publicity Secretary of Agunechemba. The statement categorically denied that either Emeakayi or Governor Soludo is personally responsible for the native doctors' detention.
"Prince Ken Emeakayi is not the person holding Eke-Hit," Nweke stated in an exclusive interview. "Governor Charles Soludo is also not the person holding Eke-Hit, Akwa Okuko and Onye Eze Jesus. Rather, it is the Anambra State Homeland Security Law that is responsible for their remand."
The official explained that the court of competent jurisdiction remanded the suspects based on the provisions of the Homeland Security Law. He emphasized that neither the governor nor his security adviser has the power to interfere with judicial proceedings once a matter is before the court.
Addressing the allegation that Eke-Hit was detained for failing to honor an invitation, Nweke clarified that "not honouring an invitation is not enough ground to hold a citizen in detention." He stated that the arrest was based on serious allegations that undermined state security.
Broader Context of Security Measures
The detention of Eke-Hit and other native doctors occurs within the context of Anambra State's intensified security measures. Governor Soludo's administration has taken a firm stance against activities perceived as contributing to insecurity, including certain traditional practices that authorities believe have been exploited for criminal purposes.
This case highlights the tension between traditional practices and modern security concerns in southeastern Nigeria. While authorities maintain they are enforcing laws to protect citizens, families of those detained argue that due process is not being followed and that innocent people are being punished without evidence.
The situation remains unresolved as the judicial process continues, with Eke-Hit's family maintaining their plea for his release and state officials insisting that the matter rests with the courts rather than executive intervention.
