Category Archives: Asaba

Delta monarch, the Asagba of Asaba, bans native doctors for aiding ritual killers – Nigeria

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It is a hopeful sign that people on top of the social ladder express themselves and take unequivocally position against killings for ritualistic motives. A few weeks ago I posted a similar action by the Oluwo of Iwo (in Osun State), see my post dated February 3, 2025, The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, accuses Ekiti and Kwara monarchs of engaging in ritual killings.

This time the Asagba of Asaba, a monarch in Delta State, also in southern Nigeria, came in the spotlight when banning the activities of ‘Eze-Nwanyi’ (female native doctors/goddesses) and other traditional practitioners due to their alleged involvement in the rising crime rate in Asaba and its environs including providing assistance to internet fraudsters, commonly known as Yahoo Yahoo boys, kidnappers and other criminals.

His remarks were triggered by the murder of a man from neighboring Anambra, a lawmaker. Read the full story below.
(webmaster FVDK)

Delta monarch bans native doctors for aiding ritual killers

The Asagba of Asaba

Published: February 14, 2025
By: Matthew Ochei – Punch, Nigeria

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), on Thursday banned the activities of ‘Eze-Nwanyi’ (female native doctors/goddesses) and other traditional practitioners due to their alleged involvement in the rising crime rate in Asaba and its environs.

This decision follows reports linking the murder of an Anambra lawmaker – whose body was discovered on the Niger Bridge – to native doctors and a shrine in Asaba.

Expressing deep concern, the monarch emphasised that crimes committed within Asaba directly impact its residents more than anyone else.

He stressed that the ban on these native doctors was a proactive measure to curb crime.

“Let it be on record that we support the government at all times. However, while supporting the government, there comes a time when we must take proactive steps. Anything that happens in Asaba affects us directly,” he stated.

“It is distressing to hear that Asaba has become the focal point of these criminal activities. As a result, we have decided to take measures to ensure peace and order in our land.”

The monarch declared that the activities of Eze-Nwanyi practitioners, particularly those not originally from Asaba, were now banned.

He described their growing presence as troubling and their activities as “nefarious.”

“The murder of the Anambra lawmaker points to Asaba, where money was cleared, and where the shrine harboring the kingpin was located. These native doctors seem to be aiding not only internet fraudsters (Yahoo Yahoo boys) but also kidnappers and other criminals. Therefore, we are banning them effective immediately.”

Furthermore, the monarch announced that all native doctors operating within Asaba must now register and be regulated.

He stated that they would require clearance from the Otuhas, the governing legislative body of Asaba, before being allowed to operate.

In addition, restrictions have been placed on visits to the shrine of the Asaba deity, Onishe.

Source: Delta monarch bans native doctors for aiding ritual killers

Related:

Asagba Of Asaba Bans Female Native Doctors, Moves To Curb Crime

The traditional ruler also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting government efforts in tackling insecurity.

FILE: The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN

Published: February 13, 2025
By: Vivian Oramadike – ChannelsTV, Nigeria

The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN, has banned the activities of Eze-Nwanyi (female native doctors) and other unregulated traditional practitioners, citing their alleged involvement in kidnappings, ritual killings, and cyber-related fraud.

Announcing the decision at a press conference on Thursday, the monarch expressed deep concern over rising crime in Asaba, particularly after reports linked native doctors and shrines in the area to the murder of Anambra lawmaker Justice Azuka, whose body was discovered on the Niger Bridge.

The Asagba emphasized that many of these practitioners are outsiders with criminal motives.

“From today, the activities of Eze-Nwanyi and other unregulated native doctors are banned,” he declared.

Moving forward, all traditional practitioners in Asaba must register under the Otu-Ihaza, the town’s legislative authority.

He reiterated the urgent need for action, stating, “Anything that happens on this land affects us more than anyone else. It is unacceptable that Asaba has become a hub for these nefarious activities. Consequently, we have decided to take proactive steps to restore peace and order.”

To further address security concerns, the monarch launched Operation Know Your Tenants, mandating landlords to properly document all tenants.

“Criminals see Asaba as a safe haven. This must stop,” he warned. “Every landlord must have proper records of their tenants so we can account for who resides where.”

Additionally, the palace will deploy a special task force to inspect guest records at hotels across Asaba.

“We will be visiting hotels to check their guest lists. The palace is already collaborating with security agencies to expose those using hotels as criminal hideouts,” he asserted.

The Asagba reaffirmed his commitment to supporting government efforts in tackling insecurity but stressed the need for traditional institutions to play an active role in safeguarding their communities.

“We stand with the government, but we must also take responsibility for our land. Asaba must not become a breeding ground for crime,” he concluded.

Source: Asagba Of Asaba Bans Female Native Doctors, Moves To Curb Crime

And:

Delta monarch bans female native doctors, restricts shrines amid crime concerns

Asagba of Asaba in Delta State, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN

Published: February 13, 2025
By: Matthew Ochei – Punch, Nigeria

The Asagba of Asaba in Delta State, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN, has banned the activities of ‘Eze-Nwanyi’ (female native doctors/goddesses) and other unregulated traditional practitioners.

The decision comes amid concerns that these groups are fueling criminal activities, including kidnappings and ritual-related crimes.

The palace maintained it was a decisive move to curb rising crime in Asaba and its environs.

The announcement follows reports linking native doctors and shrines in Asaba to the murder of an Anambra lawmaker, Justice Azuka, whose body was discovered on the Niger Bridge.

The Asagba, addressing a press conference, expressed grave concern over the situation, stating, “Anything that happens on this land affects us more than anyone else. It is unacceptable that Asaba has become a hub for these nefarious activities. Consequently, we have decided to take proactive steps to restore peace and order.”

Ban on Female Native Doctors, Shrine Restrictions

The monarch emphasised that many of these practitioners are not of Asaba origin and have taken over the land with criminal motives.

“We have banned the activities of Eze-Nwanyi, who are not of Asaba extraction and are unknown to us. Their activities, I dare say, are nefarious.

“With the recent revelations linking an Anambra lawmaker’s murder to Asaba-based native doctors and shrines, it is clear that they are not just supporting ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ fraudsters but are also involved in kidnappings. From today, they are banned,” he declared.

Additionally, all native doctors operating in Asaba must now register and be regulated under the authority of the Otu-Ihaza, the legislative body of Asaba.

Source: Delta monarch bans female native doctors, restricts shrines amid crime concerns

Nigeria: Ritualists on Rampage in Delta State capital Asaba

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Leo Igwe is a famous Nigerian, human rights activist, an indefatigable fighter against superstition, witchcraft and ritualistic murders. In 2020 he started Advocacy for Alleged Witches. On numerous occasions I have praised him on this site for his valuable work fighting superstition, witchcraft and ritualistic violence and helping and supporting the victims of witchcraft and superstition.

The year 2025 is only a few days old, yet Leo Igwe is again at the forefront of the fight against ritualistic attacks and murders, ‘money rituals’, notably in his home country with the following chilling account of an attempt to kidnap a young lady, a university student, who narrowly escaped a violent death.

I have repeatedly stated on this site that Nigeria may be the African country with the highest incidence of ritualistic crimes. Africa’s largest country needs more people like Leo Igwe to help eradicate superstition, witchcraft and violent ritualistic behavior.

There is no place for these outdated practices which violate the human rights of the Nigerian people and make a mockery of the rule of law in Nigeria. (webmaster FVDK)

Ritualists on Rampage in Delta State capital Asaba

Published: January 4, 2025
By: Leo Igwe – New Times, Nigeria

Source: Ritualists on Rampage in Asaba

Nigeria: Delta court sentences man to death for killing twins for rituals

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Warning: The following articles may upset readers because of the graphic contents (webmaster FVDK).

The surge in murders for ritualistic purposes and related witchcraft activities in certain SSA countries has led to an increasing cry for the restoration of the death penalty for convicted ritual killers. In recent years, several African countries have resorted to the (sometimes) re-introduction of capital punishment in an attempt to stop these criminal and outdated traditional practices. In Nigeria a number of states have adopted legislation allowing the sentencing to death of convicted ritual murderers which does not always mean that they are actually executed.

National and international organizations like Amnesty International emphasize that the death penalty breaches human rights including the right to life and the right to live free from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Both rights are protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN in 1948. Nigeria is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Please note: the link which leads to the Punch article reproduced below also mentions three other cases of ritualistic killings (‘money rituals’) in Nigeria: two in Anambra State (including a suspected case of ritual killing) and one in Ogun State. Though a coincidence it illustrates well that ‘money rituals’ are rampant in Africa’s most populated country.
(webmaster FVDK)

Nigeria: Delta court sentences man to death for killing twins for rituals

Published: July 16, 2024
By: Matthew Ochei – Punch, Nigeria

A High Court sitting at Asaba, the Delta State capital, has sentenced one Onuwa Ijie to death, and Nwanozie Uzor to 14 years imprisonment for murder and conspiracy to commit the murder of twin boys, Chidalu and Chigozie Agwunobi.

The court presided over by Justice Onome Marshal-Umukoro sentenced two convicts over the murder of the seven-year-old boys.

The prosecution conducted by a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Paula Akpoguma, in proof of the case called five witnesses.

The court held that the testimony of the five witnesses proved the case against the two defendants beyond reasonable doubt.

The prosecution stated that tragedy struck the family of Olise Agwunobi of Oko-Ogbele Community on March 5, 2020, when their seven-year-old twin boys were lured by the defendants to a bush and they proceeded to cut off their penis, eyes, tongues and hands which they hurriedly took to a native doctor at Aguleri in Anambra State.

“One of the defendants had earlier gone to the school of the twin children to take them but was turned down by the school teacher, one Mrs Emelda Ezekwude,” she said.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Marshal-Umukoro stated that after carefully evaluating the evidence presented before him, the prosecution had discharged the burden of proof as the first defendant from his confessional statement was the person who sowed the seed of committing human rituals in the mind of the second defendant by giving the phone number of one Chukwudi  Edemuzor who was alleged to be searching for twins to kill for money.

The court maintained that the law is settled that the testimony of an investigating police officer was not hearsay evidence, and the court can rely on it.

Speaking with journalists after the judgment on Tuesday, the prosecuting counsel, Akpoguma thanked the court for upholding the cause of justice, “reaffirming that the judicial system works.”

Source: Delta court sentences man to death for killing twins for rituals

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Court sentences man to death over murder of twins in Delta

Published: July 17, 2024
By: Damilare Famuyima – Pulse, Nigeria

The twins boys were seven years old (Daily Trust)

The suspect and his accomplice were said to have murdered the twin boys for ritual purposes.

Justice Onome Marshal Umukoro of a High Court in Asaba, Delta State Capital, has sentenced Onuwa Ijie to death and his accomplice, Nwanozie Uzor, to 14 years imprisonment for the murder and conspiracy to murder twin boys, Chidalu and Chigozie Agwunobi.

The sentencing came after the court heard the case against the two men for the murder of the seven-year-old boys.

Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice, Paula Akpoguma, led the prosecution, presenting five witnesses to support the case. 

A sixth witness, 15-year-old Iweka Ajie, the younger brother of one of the defendants, initially agreed to testify via video link but ultimately refused out of fear.

The court determined that the testimony of the five witnesses sufficiently proved the case against the defendants beyond a reasonable doubt. 

According to the prosecution, on March 5, 2020, the family of Olise Agwunobi of Oko-Ogbele Community suffered a tragedy when their seven-year-old twin boys were lured to a bush by the defendants. 

There, the boys were mutilated, and their body parts were taken to a native doctor in Aguleri, Anambra State.

“One of the defendants had earlier attempted to take the children from their school but was turned away by the school teacher, Mrs. Emelda Ogugua Ezekwude,” Akpoguma said.

Justice Onome Marshal-Umukoro, in his judgment, concluded that the prosecution had met the burden of proof.

He noted that the first defendant’s confessional statement indicated that he had introduced the idea of human rituals to the second defendant by providing the phone number of Chukwudi Edemuzor, who was allegedly seeking twins for ritual purposes.

The court held that the testimony of the Investigating Police Officer was admissible and not hearsay.

After the judgment, Akpoguma expressed gratitude to the court for delivering justice, reaffirming her belief in the effectiveness of the judicial system.

Source: Court sentences man to death over murder of twins in Delta

Nigeria: headless body found in Delta State

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Sometimes one gets the impression that a lifeless human body does not get the respect it should get. At least, that’s what I thought when reading the news below. The fact that it concerned a suspected mad man – as mentioned by the newspaper, even in its headline – is totally irrelevant (webmaster FVDK).

Headless body of suspected mad man found in Delta

Published: February 8, 2020
By: The Sun – Paul Osuyi, Asaba 

A headless body was found on Saturday along the popular Nnebisi Road in Asaba, Delta State capital.

The discovery of the unidentified headless corpse caused consternation among residents of the area.

Those who thronged to the scene to catch a glimpse of the gory dismembered corpse could not identify the deceased.

A local source who volunteered information to Daily Sun hinted that the deceased was sighted on the ground struggling to breathe the previous day, apparently after getting intoxicated.

“We saw the man around 11:00 pm Friday night still on the floor with all parts of his body intact,” the witness said.

“But we were surprised to see the man this morning without his head and some vital organs.”

Public Relation Officer of the Delta State Police Command DSP Onome Onowvakpoyeya confirmed the incident.

She said an investigation has already begun to apprehend those behind the suspected ritual murder.

Onowvakpoyeya noted that the deceased was said to be insane but wondered how his head and other vital organs were removed.

“We are aware that parts of his body were missing when he was found,” the police spokeswoman said.

Source: Headless body of suspected mad man found in Delta

Ritual killing: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State (Nigeria) presents N6m to victim’s family

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Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State 

Published: June 28, 2019
By: Paul Osuyi, Asaba

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State yesterday in Asaba, the capital of the state, restated the commitment of his administration to tackle security challenges in the state.

The governor restated the commitment when he presented a cheque of N6million to the family of late Miss Elozino Ogege, a 300-level first class student of Mass Communication of the state university in Abraka.

The 22-year-girl was gruesomely murdered last November by suspected ritualists, otherwise known as Yahoo Plus Boys, who removed her vital organs.

Four of the suspects arrested in connection with the alleged murder are now facing trial at the state High Court.

Speaking while presenting the cheque, Okowa, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, David Edevwie, vowed that the perpetrators of the heinous crime would not go unpunished.

He decried the incidents that led to her murder, and assured that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetuators were brought to justice.

“What happened to late Miss Elozino Ogege last year is so unfortunate and heartbreaking, which tells us that all is not well in our society. This is why we are doing everything possible, as a government, to improve security in the state and ensure that security challenges are effectively tackled,” he stressed.

The governor commiserated with the family of the deceased, and assured them of government’s support.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mrs. Elizabeth Ogege and Rt. Rev. John Aruakpor, Bishop, Diocese of Oleh, Anglican Communion, thanked Okowa for the compassion showed to the family, and called on government to put more initiatives in place to tackle insecurity in the state.

Source: Ritual killing: Okowa presents N6m to victim’s family

Delta State, Nigeria