By Mick Oseji, Asaba
Vigilantes in Nnewi, Anambra State, have reportedly arrested Sir James Louis Okoye, a former Knight of St John International, after he was allegedly seen conducting what he described as a ritual cleansing of the town.
Okoye, who made headlines earlier this year after publicly renouncing Christianity, was reportedly apprehended on Saturday while moving through the streets of Nnewi dressed in red and carrying fresh palm fronds, with some of the fronds held between his lips. He was also said to have been ringing a bell as he carried out the exercise.
In a video of his interrogation following the arrest, Okoye explained that he was conducting the exercise to cleanse Nnewi land, which he claimed had been desecrated.
Seated on the floor in what appeared to be a vigilante office, the former Catholic knight insisted that he had committed no wrongdoing, maintaining that his actions were intended for the good of the community.
Okoye had gained public attention in January during the official consecration of the Our Lady of Assumpta Catholic Church in Nnewi, where he protested what he considered the failure to recognise the contributions of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to the development of the church.
He reportedly believed that Ubah, who died in July 2024, had played a major role in the construction of the cathedral and had taken the project close to completion before his death.
In a video from the January incident, Okoye was seen removing his shoes and knighthood hat as he exited the church premises. He reportedly shouted, “Ifeanyi Ubah ndo,” before dusting his shoes and yelling “Akachaam” at the gate, apparently signalling his decision to break with Christianity.
The incident generated considerable attention at the time, but Okoye largely remained out of the public spotlight until his reported arrest on Saturday.
His latest action has since triggered a wave of reactions online, with some social media users questioning his state of mind, while others have focused on the unusual nature of the alleged cleansing ritual.
There has, however, been no independent confirmation of the circumstances surrounding his arrest or any formal charge against him as of the time of filing this report.
