Catholic Knight Who Denounced Christianity Arrested Over Alleged Ritual Cleansing In Nnewi

James Louis Okoye, a former member of the Knights of St John International in Nnewi, Anambra State, has been arrested by a vigilante group.

James Okoye was arrested after he was seen moving around the town wearing red dress with fresh palm fronds between his lips, with a bell in hand, performing what he believed was the ritual cleansing of Nnewi land.

Okoye recently drew public attention during the dedication of the Assumpta Cathedral in Nnewi, where he announced that he had abandoned Christianity.

He said his decision was linked to what he described as the Catholic Church’s failure to acknowledge the role played by the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in the construction of the cathedral. The church later rejected the claim.

A video that circulating on social media showed Okoye walking through parts of Nnewi with palm fronds and ringing a bell.

The former Catholic Knight said he was carrying out a spiritual cleansing of the town to drive away evil spirits.

His activities attracted the attention of people in the area, who reportedly alerted local vigilante members.

The operatives were later seen questioning Okoye who was seen sitting on the floor in the video.

During the questioning, Okoye allegedly said Nnewi was experiencing several evil occurrences that needed to be dealt with.

He also claimed that he had received approval from the traditional ruler of Nnewi to conduct the cleansing exercise.

The former Catholic Knight maintained that he had not committed any offence by carrying out the activity.

At the time of filing this report, it was unclear where James Okoye was being held or whether authorities had filed any formal charges against him.

ALSO READ: Anglican Knight, Chief Izuchukwu Nwabueze Arrested For Defrauding Bishop Of N20M In Anambra