A former Catholic Knight of St John International, Sir James Louis Okoye, popularly known as Ebube Anaedo, has reportedly been apprehended by vigilante operatives in Nnewi, Anambra State, after he was seen conducting what he described as a spiritual cleansing exercise in the town.
Okoye reportedly attracted attention on Saturday after appearing on the streets of Nnewi dressed in red, with a fresh palm frond between his lips and a bell in his hand.
A video circulating on social media showed him sitting on the floor in what appeared to be a vigilante office while being questioned by some men.
During the interrogation, Okoye explained that he was carrying out the exercise because, according to him, the Nnewi land had been desecrated and needed to be cleansed.
He reportedly insisted that he had not committed any wrongdoing and said his actions were intended to benefit the people of Nnewi.
Okoye also told those questioning him that he had obtained permission from the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu, before embarking on the exercise.
The incident has again brought the former Catholic knight into the spotlight months after he caused controversy during the dedication of the Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Cathedral in Nnewi.
In January 2026, Okoye publicly protested what he described as the failure of the Catholic Church to adequately recognise the contribution of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to the construction of the cathedral.
During the protest, he removed his shoes and knighthood hat while leaving the church premises and declared his decision to renounce Christianity over the matter.
He was also heard saying “Ifeanyi Ubah ndo” before dusting his shoes and shouting “Akachaam,” which he presented as a sign that he was done with Christianity.
The incident generated widespread reactions in Nnewi and on social media, with reports subsequently stating that Okoye was expelled from the Knights of St John International.
The controversy centred on his claim that the late senator had made significant contributions toward the construction of the cathedral but was not sufficiently recognised by the church.
However, the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi disputed the suggestion that Ubah’s contribution had been ignored, saying his efforts had been recognised.
The latest incident has generated fresh debate on social media, with some people questioning Okoye’s cleansing exercise while others argue that he was merely exercising his religious or traditional beliefs.
There is, however, no verified evidence to support claims circulating online that Okoye is mentally ill or “has gone mad.” Such claims remain social-media speculation and should not be presented as established fact.
The circumstances surrounding his apprehension, including whether he will face any formal charges, were not immediately clear from the reports available.
