Vigilantes in Nnewi, Anambra State, have arrested Sir James Louis Okoye, a former Catholic Knight of St John International, after he was allegedly spotted conducting what he described as a ritual cleansing exercise on the streets of the town.
Okoye reportedly renounced Christianity during the official opening of Our Lady of Assumpta Catholic Church, Nnewi, in January 2026, following his anger over the alleged non-recognition of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s contribution to the cathedral project.
He was reportedly arrested on Saturday after he was seen wearing a red outfit, with fresh palm fronds between his lips and a bell in his hand, while moving through the streets of Nnewi.
The former Catholic knight subsequently told vigilantes who interrogated him that he was carrying out a cleansing exercise because, according to him, Nnewi land had been desecrated.
In a video circulating online, Okoye was seen sitting on the floor in what appeared to be a vigilante office, where he defended his actions and insisted that he had committed no wrongdoing.
He maintained that the exercise was intended for the good of Nnewi and that he was acting to cleanse the town.
Okoye first attracted widespread attention in January during the official consecration of the Nnewi Catholic Cathedral.
He had expressed anger over the alleged failure to recognise the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, whom he credited with taking the cathedral project almost to completion before his death.
In a video recorded at the time, Okoye was seen removing his shoes and knighthood hat as he walked out of the cathedral.
He was heard shouting, “Ifeanyi Ubah ndo,” before dusting his shoes as he stepped through the gate and declaring “Akachaam,” apparently signifying his break with Christianity.
Following the dramatic incident, little was heard about the former knight until his reported arrest over the alleged cleansing exercise.
His latest action has triggered mixed reactions on social media, with some users questioning his mental state, while others have focused on the circumstances surrounding his claims and actions.
The circumstances surrounding his arrest and the next steps by the vigilantes remain unclear.
