Nigeria, Osun State: three suspects arrested for exhuming corpses for rituals

In December 2023 authorities in Osun State arrested three suspects accused of a remarkable and sinister criminal act: exhuming corpses from graves and removing body parts for ritualistic purposes.

Let the facts speak for themselves. Even though their alleged unscrupulous behavior – they confessed that they wanted to sell the body parts for money-making rituals – does not include murder it is a revolting act based on superstition, greed, and a criminal mind.

Osun State is located in located in the South West geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones.

Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

Osun State is one of Nigeria’s smallest states measured in land area. The state ranks 28th of 36 states – in order of their surface areas – with a total land area of 9,252 km2 (3,572 sq.ml).

The state’s population, an estimated 5 to 6 million people, occupies a 19th place, in majority of the Yoruba ethnic group with major sub-ethnic groups the Ife, Ijesha, Oyo, Ibolo and Igbomina. Christian, muslim and traditional religions can be found throughout the state.
(webmaster FVDK).

For the official website of the Osun State government: click here

Nigeria: 3 exhume corpses for rituals in Osun State

Published: December 12, 2023
By: Según Ojo – The Star, Nigeria

The operatives of the Osun State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, have arrested no fewer than three suspects for allegedly exhuming corpses from graves and removing body parts for rituals in the state.

The Amotekun spokesperson, Adeniyi Brown, made the disclosure in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

He disclosed that the suspects – an automobile mechanic, 43; a driver, 56; and a native doctor – were all arrested in the Iwo area of the state.

Brown said the suspects were apprehended following intelligence received by the Corps about their despicable acts.

He noted that when interrogated, the suspects made confessional statements that they exhumed corpses from graves and sold the body parts for money-making rituals.

He said the Amotekun Commander in the state, Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi (rtd), had directed that the suspects should be transferred to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

Brown quoted Adewinmbi as appealing to residents of Osun State to be more security conscious and report any suspicious activity in their environment to security agencies.

”When you see something, please always say something,” Adewinmbi said.

Source: 3 exhume corpses for rituals in Osun

Map of Nigeria showing Osun State among the 36 states of the Federation

Nigeria, Bauchi State: two men sentenced to many years in jail for attempted ritual use of 6-year-old girl’s private parts

Reportedly – see the article presented below – the two accused men committed a gruesome ritualistic murder. Hence it is not clear why the state prosecutor only accused them of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt and attempting to commit culpable homicide. Be it as it may, the reported ritualistic act is repulsive and shows once more that superstition, ritualistic acts and criminal behavior also exist in Bauchi State, located in the North-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones.

Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

Of Nigeria’s 36 states, Bauchi State is the fifth largest in area with a total land area of 49,119 km2 (18,965 sq mi) representing slightly more than 5% of Nigeria’s total land mass. Bauchi is Nigeria’s seventh most populous state with an estimated population of between 7 and 8 million in 2023 composed of not less than 55 tribal groups which include Fulani, Gerawa, Sayawa, Jarawa, Kirfawa, Turawa, Bolewa, Karekare, Kanuri, Fa’awa, Butawa, Warjawa, Zulawa, Boyawa, MBadawa. The Fulani (Peiulh in French) are the main ethnic group.

The vast majority of the population, some 85%, are Muslim with smaller Christian (6%) and traditionalist minorities 9%). However, like in a number of other SSA countries remnants of traditional beliefs (and superstition) linger in the religious – muslim and christian – population.

Official website of Bauchi State Government: click here

Notable people from Bauchi State include Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1912 – 15 January 1966), who was Nigeria’s first and only prime minister upon independence in 1960. He was murdered in a military coup in January 1966 under circumstances which have never been become clear. His body was dumped at a roadside near Lagos. He was buried in Bauchi.

Warning: The following articles contain graphic details which may upset readers (webmaster FVDK).

2 men bag 35 years imprisonment for attempted ritual use of 6-year-old girl’s private parts

2 men bag 35 years imprisonment for attempted ritual use of 6 year old girl’s private parts

The defendants were arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt and attempting to commit culpable homicide.

Published: December 12, 2023
By: News Agency of Nigeria – Pulse, Nigeria

Bauchi State High Court 1 has sentenced two persons, Adamu Abdulra’uf and Abdulkadir Wada to 35 years’ imprisonment each for causing grievous hurt and attempting to commit culpable homicide on a six-year-old girl.

Justice Rabi Umar convicted and sentenced Abdulra’uf, 20 years old, and Wada, 21 years old, after they pleaded guilty to the crime. Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Sabiu Gumba, told the court that the two defendants Abdulrauf and Wada were arraigned on August 17, 2021 on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt and attempting to commit culpable homicide.

The prosecution counsel called four witnesses including the father of the victim, while the defendants testified for themselves but didn’t call additional witnesses. Gumba tendered the two knives used in committing the crime, a bottle containing the private part of the girl and a powder.

The News Agency Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendants were alleged to have on December 30, 2020, at Jama’are Local Government Area of the state, strangled one Hauwa’u Ya’u. Ya’u, who was six years old at the time, fainted before they used knives to cut off her private part for ritual purposes.

Source:
2 men bag 35 years imprisonment for attempted ritual use of 6-year-old girl’s private parts

More:

Court Sentences Two Men to 70 Years For Removing 6-year-old Girl’s Genitals For Money Ritual in Bauchi (Photo)

Young ritualists

Published: December 12, 2023
By: Thandiubani – Tori, Nigeria

Justice Rabi Umar convicted and sentenced Abdulra’uf, 20, and Wada, 21, to 35 years each after they pleaded guilty to the crime. 

Two young teenagers have been sentenced to 70 years in prison for removing a 6-year-old girl’s genitals for money ritual. They were sentenced by a Bauchi State High Court 1.

The ritualists have been identified as Adamu Abdulra’uf and Abdulkadir Wada. They were sentence to 35 years each. 

The court had earlier heard how the defendants, on December 30, 2020, at Jama’are Local Government Area of the state, strangled one Hauwa’u Ya’u. Ya’u, who was six years old at the time, fainted before they used knives to cut off her private part for ritual purposes. 

Justice Rabi Umar convicted and sentenced Abdulra’uf, 20, and Wada, 21, to 35 years each after they pleaded guilty to the crime. Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Mr Sabiu Gumba, told the court that the two defendants, Abdulrauf and Wada, were arraigned on August 17, 2021 on a three-count of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt and attempting to commit culpable homicide. 

The prosecution counsel called four witnesses including the father of the victim, while the defendants testified for themselves but didn’t call additional witnesses. 

Gumba tendered the two knives used in committing the crime, a bottle containing the private part of the girl and a powder.

Source: Court Sentences Two Men to 70 Years For Removing 6-year-old Girl’s Genitals For Money Ritual in Bauchi (Photo)

Map of Nigeria showing Bauchi State among the 36 states of the Federation 

Nigeria: Niger State Court sentences man to death by hanging for ritual murder

Niger State is no exception to the general observation that ritualistic murders are being committed in each of Nigeria’s 36 states (and the Federal Capital Territory). Though I certainly have not covered all recently reported and suspected ritual murder cases in Niger state, which is located in the North central Region of Nigeria, I did report a few since the start of this site in 2018. See my postings of September 15, 2019, August 30, 2022, and February 21, 2023.

Niger State is Nigeria’s largest state covering a total area of 76,363 km2 (29,484 sq mi), approximately 9% of the total land area. The state capital is Minna, major cities include Bida, Kontagora, Suleja, and Wawa. Niger State’s total population is an estimated 7 million people and composed of numerous indigenous tribes.

The state’s population is mainly muslim, hence Niger State is one of Nigeria’s states where the Sharia law was adopted – since May 4, 2000. The state is also known as The Power State because of its economic potential and abundant natural resources including coal, crude oil, gold, iron ore, phosphate, tin, and uranium.

A Niger State High Court sentenced a convicted ritual murderer, Tunde Tayo, to death by hanging. He was convicted to have murdered for ritual purposes Abdullahi Janiya Yahaya, in Minna in 2019.

Though I strongly support the prosecution of suspected ritual murderers and the rule of law, I have my doubt about the effectiveness of the capital punishment as a deterrent. The phenomenon of ritualistic murders is too complicated to eradicate by only harsh punishments.
(webmaster FVDK)

Niger Court Sentences Man To Death By Hanging for ritual murder

Published: January 11, 2024
By: Abu Nmodu – Leadership, Nigeria

A Niger State High Court has convicted and sentenced one Tunde Tayo to death by hanging for the murder of Abdullahi Janiya Yahaya in Maitumbi area of Minna.
He was accused of conniving with his friend now at large to kill Yahaya for ritual purpose by cutting his head and burying his body in a shallow grave around Maitumbi area of Minna in 2019. The judge, Justice Mohammed Mohammed handed down the sentence yesterday in a judgement delivered for over two hours.

After reviewing the case and submissions of the parties involved, Justice Mohammed held that the circumstantial evidence against the accused by the prosecutor was strong, cogent and direct. The judge reviewed that the convict was arraigned on two count charges of robbery and culpable homicide under sections 298 and 221 of the penal code.

The judge, reviewed that the convict admitted in his statement to the police that he owns the uncompleted building, that the body was buried adding that, “although he denied killing the deceased, circumstantial evidence established that he was last seen with the deceased and that he committed the crime.”

The judge said, “On the charge of robbery on section 298 of penal code, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. On the second count charges of culpable homicide under section 221 of the penal code law, you, Tunde Tayo is hereby convicted and sentenced to death by hanging until you die. May Almighty God have mercy on your soul”.

Source: Niger Court Sentences Man To Death By Hanging

Map of Nigeria showing Niger State among the 36 states of the Federation

Nigeria: Ogun State Police Chief on how to tackle ritual killing in the state

On December 31, January 1, January 2 and January 3 I paid attention to the scourge of ritual murders in Ogun State. The present posting is on the same topic and focuses on the authorities’ intention to tackle this evil.

Ogun State is by far not the only Nigerian state where ritual murders are committed and organ harvesting takes place. See yesterday’s posting. It is not possible to include on the present site all reported or suspected cases of ritualistic killings in Nigeria, locally called ‘money rituals’. There are just too many. In the past year I have started making an inventory by state and if time and space allow I will report here on the incidence of these often gruesome crimes in each of the 36 Nigerian states.

Nigeria is Africa’s giant. The country can boast of the continent’s biggest economy and no other country has a population which even approaches that of Nigeria. Africa’s number 2, population-wise, is Ethiopia with an estimated population of 128 million, slightly more than half of the size of the Nigerian population, an estimated 226 million (2023 data).

Unfortunately, Nigeria also is the country where presumably the incidence of ritual killings is the highest in Africa. (webmaster FVDK)

Nigeria: Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, speaks on the challenges of policing in the state and how the command is tackling ritual killing 

Published: January 9, 2024
By: Dare Olawin and Johnson Idowu – Punch, Nigeria

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, speaks on the challenges of policing in the state and how the command is tackling insecurity in this interview with Dare Olawin and Johnson Idowu

It has been a challenging period but the challenges are not peculiar to Ogun State alone, generally, there is insecurity across the country. From the available records I met when I came on board, Ogun State is still faring better compared to what is portrayed in some sections of the media. We are all aware of the insecurity in the country and Ogun State cannot exist in isolation, it is part of the country.

The major security issues facing Ogun State are kidnapping, cultism, and ritual killings but be it as it may, we are faring better compared to what was applicable in the past.

(….)

There are reported cases of ritual killings in some parts of the state. How do you intend to tackle it?

The issue of ritual killing has started rearing its ugly face again in Ogun. We have recorded two ugly incidences in recent times and ritual by the nature of the trade, is never something that is done in the open. Oftentimes, it is after they have perfected the act that we get to know except in some rare cases when they are in the preparatory stage.

Most times, they would have carried out their vicious act before we got to know but that also requires more sensitisation to let people know that they cannot make money from it. Nobody can make money out of ritual killings, it is just a myth. The so-called herbalists often time tell those who want to do ritual to bring human heads in a bid to discharge them. But someone who is bent on doing the ritual will go to any length even if it involves chopping off their mother’s head.

At the end of the day, it does not work. They just go about wasting people’s lives. So, on the issue of ritual killings, we are going to do more sensitisation so that people will get to understand that it is just a myth. The only way to make money is through hard work.

Generally, Ogun State is calm except for the unfortunate incident that we had recently concerning the murder of the Director of Finance in November.

Have you been able to make any arrests concerning the murder of the Ogun State Director of Finance?

I just mentioned it as part of the challenges we are facing but I wouldn’t want to talk about it because it is an ongoing investigation and we can not divulge our effort to the public but I can assure the public that investigation is ongoing and we will definitely bring the perpetrators to justice.

Are you assuring the people of Ogun State that there will be no repeat of such incidents?

Crime will continue to happen. It is only in Utopia that they have a perfect state. There will always be crime but our own responsibility is to put in deterrent measures but where the people are so bold to commit crime, our duty is to get them apprehended. The deployment you would have observed around basically are deterring in nature but if someone thinks they can try our will by coming out to commit any crime, we will get them.

(….)

Source: Police compiling names of notorious land grabbers in Ogun – CP

Map of Nigeria showing Ogun State among the 36 states of the Federation

‘Nigerian Government must act against ritual killings, organ harvesting’

The following article contains a cry for justice, a cry for freedom from fear, and a plea for an end to the cruel practices of ritualistic murders and associated organ harvesting that kill people in Nigeria on a daily basis. The author of the original article, Fatima Abba Sanda, works at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State.

‘The government of president Tinubu must act!’
(webmaster FVDK)

Govt Must Act Against Ritual Killings, Organ Harvesting

The end-of-year period in Nigeria is a time everyone looks forward to as a holiday; it is also one of the most dangerous times as…

Publsihed: January 7, 2024
By: Fatima Abba Sanda – Daily Trust, Nigeria

The end-of-year period in Nigeria is a time everyone looks forward to as a holiday; it is also one of the most dangerous times as disturbing activities in the forms of ritual killings and human organ harvesting become the biggest issues Nigerians have to face. Every day numerous lives are lost to these terrible circumstances, and it saddens the heart to know that there is little or nothing done to salvage this issue.

Travellers are always threatened as our highways are death traps. If it is not armed robbers, it is terrorists, and if it is not terrorists, it is kidnappers and ritualists. Even with the presence of police at checkpoints on these highways, these occurrences have sadly become the news headlines almost every day. 

This is a time when consistently if you check the news it’s always about corpses found in one ditch or the other, or it is corpses missing in the mortuary. You can’t help but wonder where it all went wrong and what the authorities are doing to curb this menace.

Nigeria has been plagued with this devilish and unholy act of people or groups of people who kidnap and slaughter human beings in cold blood, and to top it all on this barbaric behavior, they still go ahead and dissect these persons like animals.  

Sometimes you wonder if these people don’t have an ounce of sympathy or humanity. The urge to get rich quickly in Nigeria has left some of its youths to go into such a criminal lifestyle and kidnapping people just for the sole purpose of harvesting their internal and genital organs just to sell to the highest bidder or for ritual. 

Recently, there was a video circulating on the internet of some men killing and slaughtering people like animals and removing their organs. The lack of fear and the pride they had in displaying those barbaric acts while chanting songs praising each other was so disturbing. You can only wonder how these people are never traced and given the full wrath of the law. In this video, it was clearly shown how almost four fully grown adults were cut.

Enough is enough! 

Fatima Abba Sanda wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Borno State

Source: Govt Must Act Against Ritual Killings, Organ Harvesting

Yahoo Boys behind increased ritual killings – Plateau State Governor (2022 article)

As mentioned in my January 4 posting I estimate that no state in Nigeria is spared the evil of ritualistic killings – or ‘money rituals’ as these heinous practices are commonly referred to in Africa’s most populated country.

The article presented below very well illustrates this, even though it dates from 2022. Ritual murders are not only a ‘common crime’ in the south-southern, south-western and south-eastern part of the country – as mentioned in my January 3 posting – but are committed all over the country, hence also in the central part of the country and even the islam dominated states in the north.

Plateau State is the twelfth largest Nigerian state. With an area of 26,899 square kilometres (10,386 sq mi), the state has a population of about three million people. In the past, Plateau State has seen many deadly conflicts between predominantly Christian farmers and Muslim Fulani (Hausa) herders. The most recent violent clash occurred between December 25 and 27 2023 which left at least 200 people dead and more than 500 wounded.

As the following article emphasizes, Plateau State not only suffers from banditry, inter-ethnic violence and terrorist attacks but age-old belief in the power of ritualistic ceremonies and actives including murder also add to the state of insecurity which terrorizes the population.
(webmaster FVDK)

Yahoo Boys behind increased ritual killings – Governor Lalong (Plateau State)

Published: January 10, 2022
By: Chronicle, Nigeria

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state has revealed that the recent cases of ritual killings suspected to be carried out by “Yahoo Boys” will be dealt with by government.

He also vowed to make the state uninhabitable for criminals, kidnappers and others behind criminal activities in the state.

The governor said this at an International Church Service to mark the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Launch held at St. Finbarrs Catholic Church, Rayfield Jos.

Lalong expressed outrage over the recent cases of ritual killings in Jos as well as kidnappings which have become a source of concern to the Government and citizens.

He said, “I am deeply saddened by the activities of criminals who are trying to disrupt the peace of our State. Of much concern is the recent cases ritual killings which are suspected to be carried out by yahoo boys that security reports indicate are migrating to Plateau.

“Let me warn that we will make Plateau hot for you and ensure that the State vomits you. After so much work we have done to restore peace and security, we will not fold our arms to see criminals take over. I warn you to vacate Plateau because our people want to live in peace. You have no place here”.

Lalong also said that the State has stiff laws against kidnapping and other violent crimes which include death penalty, warning that anyone convicted by a Court of competent jurisdiction will not be spared.

While commending the sacrifices of fallen heroes and veterans who took part in the First and Second World Wars; the Nigerian Civil War; and Peace Support Operations around the globe, Lalong said there are still very many security challenges that the gallant men and women of the Armed forces are still laying down their lives to ensure address.

“Our Armed forces are today battling criminals who have challenged our national sovereignty through terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and many other nefarious activities that are aimed at destabilising our country and dividing the people,” Lalong said.

“We must therefore use this solemn moment to commend them for rising up to the occasion and making sure this does not happen. Despite the fact that the security situation in Nigeria at the moment is not what we desire it to be, we cannot afford to dampen the morale of the gallant officers and men who put their lives on the line daily to make sure that we sleep with our eyes closed.

Lalong noted that, “Without giving them their due recognition and honour, we will discourage not only them, but the younger generation from making similar sacrifices.”

In his sermon, the Parish Priest St. Finbarrs Catholic Church Rayfield and Chaplain, Government House Chapel Rev. Fr. Godfrey Gopep said while Nigerians are celebrating the sacrifices of its fallen heroes, there is need for them to give greater honour to the deceased by living in peace with one another to stopping other standing heroes from falling.

He said peace building cannot be possible without justice, forgiveness, tolerance and unity.

In their remarks, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion Plateau State, GOC 3rd Armoured Division represented by Brigadier General DD Kurmi, Gbong Gwom Jos represented by Agwom Izere HRH Rev. Isaac Wakili, CAN Chairman Plateau State represented by Pastor Elijah Akinwale all called on the people of Plateau State to embrace peace and support the Government in its efforts to restore Plateau State to its rightful place as the Home of Peace and Tourism.

They also called on government at levels to fulfill their obligations to the families of fallen heroes and pay proper attention to the welfare of the serving officers and men in order motivate them to continue to make sacrifices for the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.

Source: Yahoo Boys behind increased ritual killings – Gov Lalong

Map of Nigeria showing Plateau State among the 36 states of the Federation

Incessant killings including ritual killings – Nigerians should be allowed to carry guns, says Senator Nwoko

Senator Nwoko’s plea to allow Nigerians to carry arms to protect themselves and their families against the multiple threats which they face everyday including armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, extrajudicial killings, environmental unrest, ethnoreligious violence, clashes between herders and farmers, and ritualistic murders (‘money rituals’) is understandable in view of the government’s inaction or incapacity to improve the security situation in the country.

The reason to include his plea here is the repeated reference to ritualistic murderers who terrorize the population of Africa’s most populated country (over 213 million in 2021) notably in the southwest, southeast and south-south of the country – but one cannot escape the impression that no state is spared from these heinous crimes (also see my January 9 posting).
(webmaster FVDK)

Incessant Killings: Nigerians should be allowed to carry guns, says Sen Ned Nwoko

Published: January 4, 2024
By: Henry Umoru, Abuja – Vanguard, Nigerią

Senator  Ned Nwoko, PDP, Delta North has said that if the incessant cases of armed banditry, kidnappings and wanton destruction of property must be nipped in the bud in the country, there should be the introduction of a bill that would allow civilians to own and carry firearms.

According to him, a bill to be introduced to that effect has become imperative following the security challenges, particularly the recent Plateau killings of December 24, where no less than 100 civilians were killed in the attack.

In his proposed bill tilled,  My Amendment Bill on Controlled Firearms Ownership. Matters Arising and made available to Journalists yesterday in Abuja,  Senator Nwoko said, “The prevailing insecurity in Nigeria has become a pressing concern for all conscientious citizens, leaving many questioning the root causes that led to this dire situation where safety feels elusive. Instead of abating, the issue continues to worsen, spiralling out of control.

“The northeast has been entrenched in a humanitarian crisis for almost two decades due to the Boko Haram insurgency. The northwest deals with illegal mining, ethnoreligious violence, and banditry. In the southwest, there’s a surge of armed robbery, kidnappings, extrajudicial killings, clashes between herders and farmers, ritual killings, and banditry. The southeast grapples with ritual killings, secessionist movements, kidnappings, conflicts between herders and farmers, attacks by unidentified gunmen, and banditry. Meanwhile, the south-south is still troubled by militancy, kidnappings, and environmental unrest.” (italics and bold letters added – webmaster FVDK).

“In light of the alarming escalation of insecurity in our communities, the safety and protection of citizens have become paramount concerns. The persistent threats and violence have left many feeling vulnerable and defenceless. A recent and poignant example is the violent attack that occurred during the last Christmas season, where about 200 people were killed by terrorists across different communities in Plateau state. Considering these dire circumstances, there’s a growing call for responsible firearm ownership as a means of self-defence.

“An amendment bill allowing civilian firearm ownership must be introduced in the Senate. My bill on self-defence and firearms ownership regulation, currently listed in the Senate awaiting its first reading, deals with this pressing issue. I am pleased that the topic has gained national significance, sparking diverse opinions and discussions that predominantly fall into two camps – one in opposition and the other in support.

“It is evident that the existing security measures have not been sufficient in safeguarding our communities. Allowing law-abiding citizens to possess firearms could potentially provide a sense of security and a means to protect themselves and their families from immediate threats.

However, it is crucial to emphasize that the initiative to permit firearm ownership is accompanied by stringent regulations and comprehensive training. This approach ensures that firearms are in the hands of responsible individuals who understand the gravity of such ownership and are equipped to handle these weapons safely.

“The illegal smuggling of arms is a significant concern due to the prohibition on bearing arms. Introducing licensed dealerships for firearms could potentially address this issue by creating a regulated avenue for legal firearm acquisition. This move not only seeks to curtail illegal arms trafficking but also provides an opportunity for generating income through licensing fees and taxes imposed on these dealerships.

“The revenue generated from licensing fees and taxes on firearm dealerships could be allocated towards bolstering law enforcement agencies, improving security infrastructure, and implementing initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity. 

“The qualifications for firearm ownership must involve obtaining references from four medical doctors affirming mental soundness, endorsement from the local government chairman for community validation, a traditional leader’s (such as the king) guarantor role emphasizing cultural trust, and confirmation by the Divisional Police Officer to verify the absence of criminal involvement. These requirements aim to ensure a comprehensive vetting process, emphasizing mental fitness, community support, cultural ties, and a clean record for responsible firearm ownership.

“Proposed firearms for civilian ownership include single and double-barrel shotguns, pistols with a maximum capacity of six rounds, pump-action shotguns, and any other types suggested by the Ministry of Defence. This selection offers diverse options suitable for self-defence while emphasizing control, regulation, and expert recommendations to ensure responsible ownership and mitigate potential risks associated with firearm possession.

“Nonetheless, this approach necessitates a meticulous regulatory framework and oversight to prevent any adverse consequences and prioritize public safety above all else.”

Source: Incessant Killings: Nigerians should be allowed to carry guns, says Sen Ned Nwoko

Nigeria counts 36 states; the capital Abuja is located in the Federal Capital Territory.

Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Nigeria: “Ritual killings are the most disturbing trend of criminal activity in the state”

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Abiodun Alamutu, had a clear message in his New Year Speech when he described ritual killings as the most disturbing trend of criminal activity in the small southwestern state.

I have drawn attention to the precarious situation in Ogun State in previous posts – see my December 31 (2023) and January 1 and January 2 (2024) postings. I have estimated that ritualistic murders have claimed more than 500 lives in Ogun State in the past year. One of the state’s most notorious ritual murder cases was the killing of a 18-year-old 100-level Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) student, Quadri Salami, for rituals in November 2023. Early December the police arrested two persons, Akeem Usman and Niyi Ifadowo, for allegedly killing the student for rituals (‘money rituals’). It was a gruesome murder. See the second article below.

Nigeria faces many challenges, not only in Ogun State. The population in the northwest is being terrorized by banditry and terrorism. In the northeast an insurgency looms, spilling over to the north-central part of the country. In the southeast separatist militants have become active again, and ritual killing and cultism are rife in the southwest and south-south. The Federal Government (FG) in the person of President Bola Tinubu has promised to end all forms of insecurity in the country in 2024.

We’ll monitor the achievements in 2024….
(webmaster FVDK)

Ritual Killings: Police lament over disturbing trend in Ogun

Published: January 2, 2024
By: Opalim Lifted – Chronicle, Nigeria

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Abiodun Alamutu, has described ritual killings as the most disturbing trend of criminal activity in the state.

He said it is more worrying because ritual killings by nature “are never done in the open except through credible intelligence before the act is committed.”

Alamutu disclosed this to Abeokuta in his New Year message with crime reporters.

To address this, he said the command would embark on advocacy against the menace in the new year.

Alamutu noted that the state remains the safest in the country, but the command is confronted with peculiar challenges, especially the new trend of ritual killings.

He warned parents to caution their children to desist from any social vices, saying the police would not condone any form of criminality in the state in the new year.

“2023 has been a challenging year because we have crime across the country. But I still insist that, based on available records, the state remains one of the safest cities in the country as of today. Be that as it may, we have our own peculiar challenges.

“We are trying to level up; we are trying to be at least a step ahead of them, and the most disturbing trend now is the issue of ritual killings, which by its nature is never done in the open except through credible intelligence before the act is committed,” he said.

Source: Ritual Killings: Police lament over disturbing trend in Ogun

Warning: the following article contains graphic contents which may upset readers (FVDK)

Ogun police arrest two over killing of OAU student for ritual

Published: December 6, 2023
By: Mayor – Chronicle, Nigeria

The police command in Ogun says it has arrested two persons, Akeem Usman and Niyi Ifadowo, for allegedly killing 18-year-old 100-level Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) student Quadri Salami for rituals.

SP Omolola Odutola, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

Ms Odutola stated that Mr Salami’s father, on November 14, reported at Kemta Police station, Abeokuta, that his son had been missing since November 8.

She quoted the father as saying he had not set his eyes on his son and all efforts to locate him proved abortive.

The PPRO said that the Commissioner of Police in Ogun, Abiodun Alamutu, on Wednesday, personally led a team of Tactical Squad to Mile 6 in the Ajebo area of Abeokuta.

“The commissioner went with the team to a shallow grave to exhume the decomposing body parts of the deceased after a tracking clue beamed at Usman, who was arrested in possession of the victim’s phone.

“He implicated Ifadowo that both of them committed the heinous crime by slaughtering the victim and dismembering his vital parts for ritual purposes.

“Ifadowo went away with the deceased head and his two wrists and paid the sum of N100,000 into Usman’s account as proceeds from the sale of Salami’s other body parts.

“The suspects thereafter continued to sell the victim’s other body parts on demand to Internet fraudsters.

“They buried the heart, two legs, and flesh inside a plastic rubber for rituals and used the remaining parts for a crime against humanity,” the PPRO said.

Ms Odutola explained that in their confessional statement, the duo admitted that they had used four other human heads for money rituals.

She added that the suspects were now in Eleweran at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for the continuation of discreet investigation, saying that they would be prosecuted.

The police spokesperson said that the CP remained committed to ensuring that justice was served and would continue to investigate further to bring all perpetrators to face the full extent of the law.

She said that such criminal involvement endangered innocent lives, urging parents to collectively work together with the police by volunteering information to eradicate such nefarious practices.

Source: Ogun police arrest two over killing of OAU student for ritual

Map of Nigeria showing Ogun State among the 36 states of the Federation

Ogun State Police to embark on campaign against rise in ritual murders in 2024 – Nigeria

I posted a few articles on the evil of ritual murders in Ogun State, Nigeria on December 31 and January 1.

The first one (the day before yesterday) was triggered by the ritual murder of Ayomide Agunbiade, a 12-year old boy, by his uncle who subsequently was killed in a mob action, jungle justice, in December.

The second posting, yesterday, was a kind of overview of ritualistic murders and related activities in this small southwestern state where in 2023 at least 15 people were murdered for ritualistic purposes. Among these 15 innocent victims was another 12-year old boy, John Soyinka, from Abeokuta, the state capital, whose dead body was found mutilated flive days after he got missing in November – see the article presented below.

The state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, now promises to do his best to fight this evil which, unfortunately, is not unique in Nigeria. The number of ritual killings in Nigeria (‘money rituals’) is frightening. I estimate that every week at least ten ritual murders are committed in Africa’s most populated country. Ten innocent lives cut short among whom children, the country’s future. On a yearly basis this amounts to more than 500 victims of ‘money rituals’.

I hope that in 2024 this evil will successfully be fought, reduced and, if possible, eliminated.
(webmaster FVDK).

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu

Published: December 31, 2023
By: Taiwo Bankole – Punch, Nigeria

As part of its efforts to stem the rising cases of ritual killings in the society, the Ogun State Police Command said it would embark on advocacy against the menace in the new year.

The state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Abeokuta.

Alamutu noted that the state remains the safest in the country, but the command is confronted with peculiar challenges especially the new trend of ritual killings.

He warned parents to caution their children to desist from any social vices, saying the police would not condone any form of criminality in the state in the new year.

Ogun State has had a fair share of frequent cult clashes in the outgoing year, especially in the Sagamu township, leading to the loss of at least 15 souls in the outgoing year.

PUNCH Online reports cases of ritual killings, the recent being the case of a missing 12-year-old boy, John Soyemi, whose mutilated body was found after five days at a community within Asero Estate.

Alamutu said, “2023 has been a challenging year because we have crime across the country. But I still insist based on available records that Ogun State remains one of the safest cities in the country as of today. Be that as it may, we have our own peculiar challenges.

“We are trying to level up. We are trying to be at least a step ahead of them, and the most disturbing trend now is the issue of ritual killings, which by its nature, is never done in the open except through credible intelligence before the act is committed.

“Unfortunately, the trend had continued to rise. So in the coming year, we are going to concentrate more on advocacy so that people will be aware of the fact that there is nothing like a money ritual.”

The CP continued, “You cannot make money by killing people, it is an agelong myth, it is a total fallacy. There’s really nothing like money rituals, they are just vicious, they are only being deceived to bring things they know it’s impossible to get like human head and all those stuff. By the end of the day, in their desperation, they go out for the eyeball, but then, there’s nothing like a money-making ritual.

“But our efforts in the coming year will be more sensitisation of members of the public. We will continue to place more emphasis on advocacy.”

“Cultism too is actually a serious menace, but the truth is that we are arresting them on a daily basis. But I’m happy the government is looking towards that direction and they need to put in place stiffer punishment for these people because it’s becoming a pastime, but the most disturbing news is that they are neither students nor artisans. They are just out there to take advantage of innocent people,” Alamutu noted.

Source: Ogun police promise to tackle cultism, others 

AND:

Missing Ogun 12-year-old found dead after five days

Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola

Published: November 23, 2023
By: Taiwo Bankole – Punch. Nigeria

The corpse of a missing 12-year-old John Soyinka was reportedly found at Kotogbo community inside Asero Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State on Monday morning with his eyes removed while his wrists were also said to have been cut off.

Our correspondent gathered that Soyinka was declared missing about a week ago and the incident was reported at the Obantoko Police Station, Abeokuta.

A resident of the area who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that the young school boy was said to have vanished into the thin air after trying to check on a customer who did PoS transactions in a shop where the deceased usually assisted them but never came back.

The source said, “I know the boy very well, he is about 12 years old and he lived alone with his mother whom I guessed is no longer with her husband. His mother is into menial jobs like helping people to sweep and the rest.

“The boy too was going to school but I also usually saw him at a business centre where they do PoS operations and barbing. I think he must be assisting them there. What we heard was that, last week Thursday, he said he wanted to check on a customer who did PoS transactions, apparently maybe, there was something to sort out about the transaction but the boy never came back.

“The boy and his mother lived at Olasunkanmi community and so the Community Development Association reported the matter to the District Police Officer at Obantoko Station.

“The DPO informed the police at Adigbe and Lafenwa but it was the boy’s corpse that was seen at Kotogbo community just beside Olasunkanmi on Monday. The two communities are inside Asero Estate, Abeokuta. It is suspected to be a case of ritual killing because the boy’s eyes were removed while his wrists were also cut off. It’s an incident that has really thrown all the residents into mourning”.

When contacted for a reaction, the spokesperson of Ogun State Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola, described the incident as very pathetic saying that it was painful to note that despite the fact that the police swung into action when the boy’s case was brought to their attention, it was his mutilated body that was found days later inside the bush.

Odutola said, “The case is so pathetic. The DPO vigorously searched for this boy only to find his mutilated body inside the bush. The body has been released to the family for burial.”

Source: Missing Ogun 12-year-old found dead after five days

Map of Nigeria showing Ogun State among the 36 states of the Federation

At least 15 ritual murders in Ogun State (Nigeria) in 2023 

Nigeria is a federation of 36 semi-autonomous states. The country’s capital city is Abuja, located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) – in the centre of the country. The FCT is not a state.

Map of Nigeria showing Ogun State among the 36 states of the Federation

Ogun State is one of Nigeria’s smallest states. With a land area of 16,762 square kilometers it is the country’s 24th largest state; it is Nigeria’s 16th most populated state with an estimated 7 million people (source: Wikipedia).

Abeokuta is Ogun State’s capital; other important cities in the state include Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu.

In the year 2023 criminals held Ogun State to ransom. As stated in the article below:

“Criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, ritual killing, highway robbery and sexual offenses, among others rose to the highest crescendo during the year. 2023 would be remembered as the year cultists held sway, armed robbers reigned with terror, ritualists went on killing spree and kidnappers became the king of highways.”

Yet, the State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, while admitting that 2023 had been a challenging year for the police following the wave of crime across the state, insisted that based on available records Ogun State remains one of the safest States in the country as at today.

Read the article below to judge for yourself.

Before concluding, just allow me one remark. If indeed Ogun State is one of the safest states in Nigeria, as Police Commissioner Abiodun Alamutu alleges, life in the other states of Africa’s most populated country – with a total population of about 220 million people – must be a hell.

A quick calculation leads us to a pulse-pounding conclusion. With 15 ritual murders in Ogun State alone, if this would be representative for the country as a whole, then we may conclude that yearly more than 500 ritual murders are committed in Nigeria (36 x 15) which means three innocent deadly victims of ritualistic violence every two days.

Presumably, this number is just the tip of the iceberg…

Warning: the following article contains graphic contents.
(webmaster FVDK).

2023, the Year Criminals Held Ogun to Ransom

Ritual killers on the rampage

Published; December 30, 2023
By: Olufemi Adediran – New Telegraph, Nigeria

The year 2023 would be remembered by many residents of Ogun State as the year criminals and men of the underworld held the State in “captive”. Criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, ritual killing, highway robbery and sexual offenses, among others rose to the highest crescendo during the year. 2023 would be remembered as the year cultists held sway, armed robbers reigned with terror, ritualists went on killing spree and kidnappers became the king of highways.

Hardly did a week go by without Ogun State being in the news for one form of criminal activity or the other. The state also recorded one of the most violent elections in its history during the March 18 Governorship election. The election was characterised by killings, gunshots, ballot box snatching, vote buying and arson.

(…)

Ritual killers on the rampage

Suspected ritualists in their reign of terror during the year put the state on the edge with their and criminal activities. Missing persons, human parts trading and exhuming of corpses from their graves were common stories that emanated from the state during this year. Many families, especially that of victims were been thrown into untold anguish through the wicked acts of these men of the underworld. According to available data, no fewer than 15 cases ritual killings were recorded in different parts of the State in 2023.

Most recent is the killing of an 100 level student of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Quadri Salami for money ritual by an herbalist, Ifadowo Niyi and Akeem Usman. The duo of Akeem and Ifadowo allegedly slaughtered 18-year-old Salami and dismembered his body parts and buried his remains in a shallow grave. According to the police, “Ifadowo went away with Quadri’s head and his two wrists after paying the sum of N100,00 into Akeem Usman’s account as proceeds from the sale of the human body parts.

“The suspects thereafter continued to sell the victim’s other body parts on demand to Internet fraudsters and buried the heart, two legs, and flesh inside a plastic rubber for rituals and used the remaining parts for ‘Awure’ (money ritual).” In November, the corpse of a 12-year-old boy, John Soyinka was discovered in Abeokuta after being murdered by suspected ritualists. The corpse of the boy was discovered at Kotogbo community inside Asero Estate, Abeokuta with his eyes removed while his wrists were also cut off.

Soyinka, who was living with her mother was declared missing for about a week before his corpse was later discovered. Ritualists in their reign of terror did not spare the dead. Early this year, suspected ritualists went on the rampage, invading burial grounds and exhuming corpses. Our correspondent gathered that, no fewer than 50 graves were dug and corpses exhumed by the perpetrators who chopped off their heads for ritual purposes. The incident occurred in Ipokia community, the headquarters of Ipokia Local Government Area of the State.

The incident went on unabated for almost three months with the perpetrators operating in the cover of the night. While residents were asleep, the hood- lums stormed graveyards and in many cases, compounds where people buried their loved ones to carry out their heinous crimes. “They (suspected ritualists) sneak into people’s compounds, dig the grave and remove the skull and any other parts they need. They will do it in a manner residents won’t wake up to know there is anything going on around them.

“You will just wake up in the morning to see that the grave in your compound has been dug and the skull removed. But nobody has been arrested since two months ago when this aberration started”, a resident told our correspondent. “This crime is being committed every day in the town where we have DSS, police and other security outfits. No one has been arrested. Definitely, the perpetrators of this crime are indigenes, they are not strangers, another resident, Ade Ashade said.

Cult war claims 50 lives
(…)

(…)

2023, challenging year for police – CP

The State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, admitted that 2023 had been a challenging year for the police following the wave of crime across the state. Alamutu in an interview with Saturday Telegraph says the police will engage members of the public in more advocacy and enlightenment to combat crime in the coming year. However, despite the security challenges across the state, Alamutu insisted that Ogun State remained one of the safest states in the country.

Alamutu said: “It has been a challenging year because of wave of crime across the country but I still insist based on available records that Ogun State remains one of the safest States in the country as at today. “We have our own peculiar challenges and we are trying to level up, we are trying to be at least a step ahead of them (criminals). “But, the most disturbing trend now is the issue of ritual killings which by its nature is never done in the open except through credible intelligence before the act is committed and we are trying to catch up with them, but unfortunately, the trend has continue to rise.

“In the coming year, we are going to concentrate more on advocacy, so that people will be aware of the fact that there is really nothing like money ritual. You cannot make money by killing people, it is an aged-long myth that has been proved to be a total fallacy. “Our efforts in the coming year will be more on sensitisation of members of the public and for parents to be conscious of the category of persons their kids relate with because the trend is becoming disturbing, but we are not going to fold our hands in despair, we will continue to hit them hard and place more emphasis on advocacy, all that people will be conscious of fact that it is a total myth and it is never a reality.

“Cultism too is actually a serious men- ace and you can recollect the terrible experience we had in Sagamu and some other places, but the truth is that on daily basis we keep arresting these people. ‘I think the way forward is to make a stiffer punishment for these people and I am happy the government is looking towards that direction too because cultism is fast becoming a pass time and everybody wants to belong to one cult group or the other. “The most disturbing part of it is that most of these people are either students or artisans, they are just out to take advantage innocent and law abiding citizens, but we are on top of the situation.

“The youths must know that involving in cultism is like delving into a dangerous voyage, nothing good can come out of it. “Amnesty for cultists is a consistent pro- gramme. People are coming out on their own because we cannot grant everybody amnesty. If anyone has genuine interest in renouncing cultism, such person would have come before he is arrested. We are being careful about granting amnesty to cultists because some people will want to use that as a way of evading prosecution.”

Source: 2023, the Year Criminals Held Ogun to Ransom

Map of Nigeria showing Ogun State among the 36 states of the Federation