The Anambra State government has described viral video of a man spraying money on a group of men and women in a river as those of a prophet fomenting trouble and creating enmity.
Speaking through Mr C. Don Adinuba, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, the government said: “The Anambra Government is in possession of some videos produced by one person, who goes by the name of Onyeze Jesus based in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
“He not only claims to change the economic status of his adherents by magical means but also throws a lot of Nigeria’s currency notes into the river.
He also compels his adult followers, both male and female, to bath naked in the river and records them on video which he distributes to people through the internet.
“The State Government is appalled at the conduct of this man”.
For a people, Onyi Anambra (Anambra People), famous for industry, knowledge, ingenuity, perseverance, high savings rate and boisterous business the State Government wondered why Onyeze chose to promote superstition.
Everyday.ng reports that in recent times, many Nigerians, from different ethnic divides, have been known to resort to the metaphysical to attain power, wealth, and fame.
Moreover, many films out of Nollywood, the local film industry, promotes the trend of money rituals in its productions.
The Anambra State government adds that “Onyeze Jesus promotes superstition and strife in society. By telling his gullible and brainwashed followers that their misfortune is caused by family members, relatives, friends, and business associates.
“Through magical powers, he is fomenting serious troubles and instigating eternal enmity in various places and businesses. Some of these troubles can lead to physical fights, bodily injuries, and even deaths.
“By throwing naira notes into the river as part of his sacrifice to the river goddess, filming it, and distributing the film to the whole world, he has brought Anambra state into global ridicule and committed a criminal offense.
“Burning or destroying the naira through any means is an offence criminalized by the Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007, and the offender is liable to imprisonment.
“By forcing his disciples to bathe naked in a river, then film the naked adults and distributing the videos across the globe, Onyeze Jesus is guilty of denying his followers the right to self-dignity and of promoting indecent exposure.
“We received reports from former disciples that Onyeze Jesus swindled them of their hard-earned resources, that is, all the promises and assurances of turning them into overnight millionaires have proved to be fraudulent.”
“The state government is looking into the claims. If we find merit in the claims, he will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement added.
“The people and government of Anambra state are irrevocably committed to fundamental rights of freedom of worship and freedom of association as well as freedom of conscience.
“However, observing these freedoms should not lead to a situation where heinous crimes will be carried out with impunity, whether in the name of religion or not.
“Anambra is a modern society governed by the rule of law, civilized values, and proper conduct. The government will not stand akimbo watching while an individual flagrantly abuses its values and flout its laws.”