A former Catholic Knight of St John International, Sir James Louis Okoye, popularly known as Ebube Anaedo, has reportedly been arrested by local vigilantes in Nnewi, Anambra State.
Okoye reportedly came to public attention earlier this year after publicly renouncing Christianity during the official consecration of the Nnewi Catholic Cathedral. He had protested what he described as the church’s failure to properly recognise the contributions of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to the construction of the cathedral.
On Saturday, the former knight was reportedly seen on the streets of Nnewi dressed in red, carrying a bell and with a fresh palm frond between his lips. He was said to have been conducting what he described as a cleansing exercise for the town.
Local vigilantes subsequently took him into custody and questioned him at their office. In a video from the incident, Okoye maintained that his actions were intended to cleanse Nnewi land, which he claimed had been desecrated.
He reportedly told the vigilantes that he had obtained permission from the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu, before beginning the exercise.
Okoye had previously caused controversy in January when he removed his shoes and knighthood hat while leaving the cathedral, declaring his rejection of Christianity over the treatment of the late Ifeanyi Ubah.
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His actions led to his reported excommunication from the Knight of St John International.
Following his latest arrest, reactions have been mixed, with some residents questioning his conduct while others defended his right to practise his beliefs.
As of the time of the report, it remained unclear whether Okoye had been released or whether he was receiving any medical attention.
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