Ritual killings: Experts call for urgent action over rising cases in Northern Nigeria

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Warning: the following post contains graphic details which may upset readers (webmaster FVDK)..

Nigeria is a federal republic comprising 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja. The 36 states are divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones.

The North West (NW), North East (NE) and North Central (NC) zones constitute Northern Nigeria. Politically, historically and culturally we may distinguish Northern and Southern Nigeria, but these broad categories don’t do justice to the great differences that exist within these areas. When I first went to Nigeria, in 1999, I asked a friend who knows the country very well what to expect. ‘Nigeria is a nice set of countries‘, she said.

This short statement says it all. It’s hard to speak of one country, although it has one constitution and one flag and is a member of many international organizations.

The Northern region consists of 19 states and the Federal Capital territory (FCT) of Abuja, the Southern region houses 17 states.

Map of Nigeria showing states in the northern and southern regions.

In the past I have on many occasions paid attention to the scourge of ritualistic murders in Nigeria and related practices such as abductions and torture. Let me suffice to refer to my recent post dated March 15, The horror of ritual killings in Nigeria, which also includes ritual murder cases in Northern Nigeria.

The article below provides several examples of reported ritual murders both in Northern and Southern Nigeria. The author, Hadiza Musa, pleading for more attention to the surge in ritual killing in northern states, reports that ‘Between January and April 2025 alone, at least 10 cases have been reported across Kwara, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Benue, Abuja and Bauchi states.’ Not surprisingly, residents of northern states (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina) came into the public eye calling for the death penalty for ritual killers and cannibals.

Moreover, it is necessary to emphasize that the number mentioned above refers only to reported ritual killings, and thus in all likelihood is only the tip of the iceberg.

On more than one occasion I’ve stated here that most likely Nigeria holds a dismal continental record of being the country with the highest number of ritual murders – only partly explained by being Africa’s most populous country. Hadiza Musa refers to research by an NGO, the West African Network for Peace Building, revealing that Nigeria recorded 185 ritual-related deaths between January 2021 and January 2022.

In addition, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that over 150 ritual killing cases often linked to young people seeking quick wealth, were recorded in Nigeria in the past six months.
(FVDK)

Ritual killings: Experts call for urgent action over rising cases in Northern Nigeria

Published: April 8, 2025
By: Hadiza Musa – Daily Post, Nigeria

“Ritual Killing” a term referring to the intentional murder of individuals for spiritual, economic, or supernatural purposes, often involving body mutilation or organ harvesting were often associated with Southern Nigeria where they were linked to wealth-seeking practices, political power struggles, and deep-rooted traditional beliefs.

Over the years, several high-profile cases have reinforced this perception.

One of the most infamous cases was the 2004 Okija Shrine discovery in Anambra State, where the police uncovered dozens of human skulls and decomposing bodies allegedly used for sacrifices by politicians and businessmen.

Similarly, in 2014, the Ibadan ‘Forest of Horror’ was exposed, revealing a den of ritualists who had abducted, killed, and harvested body parts from their victims.

In recent years, however, there has been a notable shift, with cases of ritual killings increasingly reported in Northern states such as Kwara, Nasarawa, Jigawa, and Bauchi.

While ritual killings were once largely associated with Southern Nigeria, the rising economic challenges and the erosion of moral values have played a significant role in their spread to the North.

Between January and April 2025 alone, at least 10 cases have been reported across Kwara, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Benue, Abuja and Bauchi states.

In January and in Nasarawa State, Timileyin Ajayi, described as a gospel singer, allegedly murdered a lady, 24-year-old Salome Adaidu, and dismembered her body.

He was caught carrying the severed head of his victim in a bag, which alarmed onlookers, leading to his apprehension.

When he was arrested by the police, other dismembered parts of the deceased’s body were recovered from his home.

The deceased, Salome Adaidu was identified as a member of the National Youth Service Corps who was serving in Abuja.

Also, in Kwara, a final-year student, Hafsoh Lawal, was lured and killed by Abdulrahman Bello, a self-proclaimed cleric and her boyfriend whom she met on Facebook.

According to the Kwara State Police Command, the 29-year-old suspect killed Lawal and dismembered her for alleged ritual purposes at a location in the Olunlade area of Ilorin on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

The headless corpse of the pupil was discovered by the roadside in Jikas-Dabaja village, Gwaram Local Government Area, Jigawa on March 12 (Wednesday).

The body was mutilated, with the private parts removed, prompting the police to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the gruesome act.

On Sunday, March 16, the Police Command in Jigawa State announced the arrest of a 45-year-old suspect in connection with the crime.

The suspect, a teacher of the deceased, was apprehended and detained following a tip-off.

Experts call for urgent action as ritual killings surge in Northern Nigeria

The incidents and many others highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address ritual killings in the region with stakeholders, attributing the trend to economic struggles, poverty, and lack of education.

Comrade Umar Hamisu Kofar Naisa, Executive Director of the Society for Educational Development and Socio-Democratic Activities (SEDSAC), linked the surge in ritual killings to poverty and the worsening economic conditions in the region.

He told DAILY POST that illiteracy and lack of education play a significant role in fueling such heinous acts.

According to him, ritual killings violate human rights, instill fear, and create insecurity in communities.

“If we examine the situation closely, ritual killings not only violate human rights but also instill fear and insecurity in communities. The psychological trauma experienced by victims’ families and survivors is immeasurable,” he stated in an interview with DAILY POST.

On legal responses, he urged the government to strengthen policies that protect human rights and enact specific legislation to prosecute perpetrators of ritual killings.

He also stressed the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to curb the menace.

Hamisu called on NGOs to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of ritual killings, provide support to victims’ families, and advocate for policy reforms.

“We must ensure that policies are created and enforced to put an end to ritual killings in Nigeria,” he added.

He further advocated for grassroots strategies and community engagement, emphasizing the role of traditional and religious leaders in tackling the issue.

“What was once seen as a problem in the South is now happening here. We must work together to stop it,” he urged.

Suleiman Hamza, a student in Ibrahimul Ahmadul Qadhi Islamiyya, highlighted the strong stance of both Islam and Christianity against killings.

He referenced Islamic teachings, noting that taking a life unjustly is akin to killing all of humanity.

“In Islam, the sanctity of human life is paramount. Even in cases of accidental killing, compensation is required, which today can amount to as much as ₦344.8 million,” he explained in an interview with DAILY POST.

Hamza described ritual killings as a new and disturbing phenomenon in the North, stating that in some cases, perpetrators even resort to exhuming corpses from graves for ritualistic purposes.

According to him, there have been more sermons in both churches and mosques, as well as intersectoral conferences and seminars, emphasizing the need to address ritual killings and their root causes.

He called on religious leaders to intensify sermons against such practices and educate the public on the severe consequences of engaging in ritual killings.

Nigeria accounts for a significant number of ritual killings

According to research by an NGO, the West African Network for Peace Building, Nigeria recorded 185 ritual-related deaths between January 2021 and January 2022.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that over 150 ritual killing cases often linked to young people seeking quick wealth, were recorded in Nigeria in the past six months.

The experts argued that the surge in ritual killings in Northern Nigeria signals a disturbing shift that demands urgent intervention and unless decisive action is taken by policymakers, security agencies, and societal leaders, ritual killings could become an even greater threat to public safety and human rights in the region.

Source: Ritual killings: Experts call for urgent action over rising cases in Northern Nigeria

Nigeria: Ogun State and the death penalty

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

To the already long list of Nigerian States which have allowed the death penalty as ultimate sanction for ritual killers – see my March 6 post – we should add Ogun State. The following article is chrystal clear: people are fed up with the terrorism of unscrupulous ritualists, cultists, kidnappers, armed robbers, etc.

The author of the article presented below, Eli Jah Udofia, writes that “Since the return to democratic rule in Nigeria about 26 years ago, it is on record that no Nigerian governor has signed and ordered the execution of condemned criminals despite being empowered by the nation’s constitution.” He continues, with (quote) “Refusal or unwillingness to sign execution orders have no doubt contributed to the high rise of heinous crimes that most often led to loss of lives because in a situation where the Biblical “an eye for an eye” injunction is not followed to the letter and where justice is not seen to have been served, it emboldens criminals to commit more heinous crimes, “after all nothing go happen”. Unquote

The capital punishment as deterrent or as revenge?

Whatever the answer to this question, I – personally – am not convinced that the execution of condemned ritual murderers will significantly decrease the number of murders for ritual purposes (‘money ritual’) in Nigeria.

What is needed is an educational campaign aimed at eradicating superstition, in combination with the rule of law, respecting international agreements and human rights.
(webmaster FVDK)

Background information:

Ogun State is located in the South West geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones). With a surface area of 16,762 km2 Ogun State ranks 24th (out of 36 states) and with a population of about 7 million people in 2024 it occupies the 13th position.

The majority of the population belongs to the Yoruba ethnic group, their language being the lingua franca of the state. The dominant religions in Ogun State are majority Islam and minority Christianity although a certain amount of traditional religion is still practiced.

The capital of Ogun State is Abeokuta.

Ogun State and the death penalty option

Published: March 11, 2025
By: Eli Jah Udofia – Independent, Nigeria

There is no doubt that killings and acts of killings have become the order of the day in Nigeria. Apart from death in the hands of terrorists, the lives of Nigerians are daily been cut short by ritualists, cultists, kidnappers, armed robbers, etc.

From the North to the South, East to West, it is one killing after the other. It is either husband killing his wife or the wife killing her husband; father killing his daughter or son killing his mother. It so appalling that one begins to wonder when the country became a jungle, where life is so cheap. Even in the jungle, animals do not kill each other for the fun of it except for food and defending territories.

In Nigeria today, killing has become a hobby or a pass time for some people. While ritualists kill and harvest body parts for money making rituals, some kill to take possession of the deceased property. Others, like cultists, carry out revenge killing or kill to show superiority while others kill for ransom.

About two years ago, the media, both traditional and new, was awash with the story of how a boy who resides in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, connived with his friends, killed his girl-friend and used the head for money ritual purposes after disposing the body by burning. Sometimes one begins to wonder the benefits of these senseless killings or is it that humans have lost their humanity?

Also in Ogun State, in the middle of last year, three Indians and a Nigerian were kidnapped along the Ijebu- Ode-Ore road but were lucky to be rescued by men of the Nigeria Police. Similarly, not too long ago, the wife of Retd. Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mrs. Folasade Odumosu, was kidnapped on her way to work and the sum of N40m demanded for her release.

Apart from kidnapping, cult related killings are also rampant in places like Abeokuta, the State capital, Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode. Cultists reign of terror saw the killings of rival members and sometimes cut short the lives of innocent people.

The question now is, when did Nigeria and Nigerians descend to this abysmal low in morality? Can this be attributed to exposure to modernity, technology or influence of social Media? What really went wrong in the past few decades that people no longer regards life as sacred?

Though the Nigeria’s legal system is noted for undue and prolong delays in delivering justice, it has also made some landmark judgements especially in cases involving murders and the likes by passing death sentences on those who took other people’s lives.

On the third of February, 2025, an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, sentenced he trio of Lekan Adekanbi, Ahmed Odetola, and Waheed Adeniyi to death by hanging for the murder of Kehinde Fatinoye, his wife, Bukola Fatinoye, and their son, Oreoluwa, on January 1, 2023.

The Fatinoyes were attacked at their Ibara GRA residence shortly after returning from a crossover church service. Led by their driver, Adekanbi, the assailants broke into the home around 2 am, murdered the couple and set both their bodies and the house on fire.

Not done, the attackers also tied up their son, Oreoluwa, along with an adopted son, before throwing them into the Ogun River. While Oreoluwa unfortunately lost his life, the adopted son miraculously survived.

After their arrest by the police, Adekanbi, in an interview with journalists, admitted spearheading the attack, citing his employers’ refusal to increase his salary or grant him a loan request.

Many Nigerians observed with dismay that death row inmates remain in prisons for years, living off taxpayers’ money after the death sentence had been passed on them. Concerns have also arisen over the government reluctance to sign execution orders—a trend that has left many death row inmates languishing in correctional facilities indefinitely.

Since the return to democratic rule in Nigeria about 26 years ago, it is on record that no Nigerian governor has signed and ordered the execution of condemned criminals despite being empowered by the nation’s constitution. This act is quite contrary to what obtained during the military era where Military Administrators or Governors approved execution once the death sentence was pronounced by competent Courts.

Refusal or unwillingness to sign execution orders have no doubt contributed to the high rise of heinous crimes that most often led to loss of lives because in a situation where the Biblical “an eye for an eye” injunction is not followed to the letter and where justice is not seen to have been served, it emboldens criminals to commit more heinous crimes, “after all nothing go happen”.

Disturbed by this ugly trend and the need to eradicate incidences of violent crimes like kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings and the likes as well as ensure that victims of these crimes get justice, the State government is considering a drastic action by looking at the death penalty option through signing Death Warrants of those sentenced to death by competent Courts.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), gave this indication and expressed concern on the increase in criminal activities in recent times in the State.

According to Mr. Ogungbade, government is ready to take the bull by the horns by implementing the law by signing the Death Warrants.

He observed that despite the proactive measures put in place by security agencies in tackling crimes, there appears to be an upsurge particularly in ritual killings, adding that government has identified the wrong perception that there will be no repercussions when some of these crimes are committed to be the root cause.

“I can tell you that we are looking seriously at this as a means of sending across a message that Ogun State is not a place where you can come and commit such serious crimes and get away with it.

“It is part of the duty of the governor to sign Death Warrants and I am certain that when he took that oath of office, he took it knowing full well the responsibilities that come with it and he is a governor that uphold the rule of law so I can assure that in deserving cases, he will not shirk away from that constitutional duty.”

Ogungbade believes that if somebody has gone through the process of fair trial, made use of all his appeals, then “we will begin to look seriously at implementing those judgements hoping that it will serve as a deterrent to those who still intend on carrying out such crimes. But in doing so, I can assure you that we will be systematic about it, we will not be reckless about it.”

From time immemorial, society has always found a way of dispensing justice and death penalty has always been a way of ensuring that those who commit serious crimes especially the ones that involve human lives pay dearly for them.

It is often said that “drastic situation requires drastic solution” and since criminals have decided not to heed several warnings of Governor Dapo Abiodun, who on many occasions, advised them to turn a new leaf, then it is time for them to begin to face the hangmen’s noose.

*Udofia writes from Laderin, Abeokuta

Source: Ogun And The Death Penalty Option

Nigeria: Kaduna, Kano, Katsina residents seek death sentence for ritualists, cannibals

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

In previous posts I’ve reported on death sentences pronounced in Nigerian states. In Delta State (2024), Niger State (2024), Rivers State (2020), Osun State (2020), Ondo State (2019), to be more specific. Shortly, more states may follow, as the following article implies. The increase in ritualistic murders has led the population in Kaduna, Kano and Katsina states to press their governments to allow for the death penalty for ritualists and those found selling or eating human parts, according to the article cited below.

As mentioned before on this site, Nigeria is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN in 1948. National and international organizations 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 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

The surge in criminal killings for ritualistic purposes, human sacrifices, child trafficking, and various sorts of witchcraft activities in a number of SSA countries have resulted in an increasing number of countries adopting laws allowing for the death penalty for convicted criminals. 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.

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 phenomenons of ritualistic murders and witchcraft are too complicated to eradicate by only harsh punishments. I can cite many examples, in various countries – to name one: Liberia.

I witnessed the public execution by hanging of seven convicted ritualistic murderers, in Harper, Maryland County, almost fifty years ago, in 1979.

Did this eradicate ritual murders in Liberia? No.
Did this eradicate the belief in witchcraft in Liberia: No.
Did this eradicate superstition in Liberia? No.

Hanging of the Harper Seven, Liberia, February 16, 1979. Source: F. van der Kraaij Collection Wikimedia.

In my opinion only education will bring the desired result, in combination with the strict rule of law, not allowing any exception, political interference of ‘big shots’: political, religious or traditional leaders, resulting in a shameful impunity. All what is needed is the political will to end these cruel outdated and criminal practices and atrocities. They have no place in the 21st century.
(webmaster FVDK)

Kaduna, Kano, Katsina residents seek death sentence for ritualists, cannibals

Published: March 3, 2025
By: Agency Report – Daily Nigerian

There have been growing concerns about the obnoxious increasing trend of of ritual killings across Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the heightened situation of ritual killings is driven by the quest for quick wealth, poverty, unemployment, and lack of effective legislation.

There have also been sustained calls for stronger laws against ritual killings to effectively stem the tide of the menace.

There have also been appeals for plausible economic empowerment programmes and public awareness campaigns to deal with the dastardly phenomenon.

Analysts have posited that the government, civil society, and individuals must work together to address the underlying factors and put an end to these heinous crimes.

In Katsina State, the residents of have urged the government to provide a death sentence against ritualists and those found selling or eating human parts.

They made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)in Katsina.

The residents said the call has become imperative in view of the increasing cases of ritual killings, particularly in some parts of the country.

Ayuba Inusa, a resident of Katsina, said that was the only way to prevent the people from joining the ritual and cult groups.

He said: “Since the perpetrators have no mercy, they deserve to be treated with no mercy, to serve as a deterrent to those willing to join the groups.”

Inusa further stressed the need for the traditional and religious leaders to intensify efforts in preaching against the ugly act.

On his part, Kabir Tukur, advised the people against the desire to accumulate worldly materials using such inhumane and ugly methods.

He said,”That is because most of the victims were those who want to accumulate material things easily and anyhow.”

Tukur further urged parents to be monitoring their sons and daughters and discourage them against such bad habits to prevent them from becoming victims of such circumstances.

He also urged girls and women to be wary of friendship in the social media, saying, “because, most of the victims were easily caught up through that platform.”

Another correspondent, Grace Jacob, also urged girls to desist from going to the persons they met through the social media to avoid becoming victims.

She further urged the government to provide stiffer punishments against perpetrators of those barbaric acts.
In Kaduna State, the Police Command said it has recorded zero ritual killing in the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

He said, “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the state’s unwavering commitment to combating this heinous crime.

He said the command has not received a single complaint of ritual killing in the past three years.

According to him, the ways to curb this incident include stopping hard drugs’ abuse, public enlightenment, and addressing youth motivations.

“The command’s proactive approach to preventing ritual killings has included increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and community engagement,”Hassan said.

He advised that the youths should be engaged with the local communities to raise awareness about the dangers of ritual killings.

Hassan said, “Religious leaders have a role to play in educating the public about the importance of upholding human life and the sanctity of human dignity.”

He said the youths should be engaged on education and job creation programmes, as well as counseling services to address anxiety and other mental health issues.

“We will continue to prioritise the safety and security of citizens,” Hassan said.

In Kano State, some experts have called on community leaders to collaborate in efforts to combat ritual killings, urging action to address the underlying factors driving the crime.

Some of the residents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) urged the government at all levels to address the crime.

One of them, Musa Abubakar, a lecturer at the Kano State Polytechnic, attributed the increasing frequency of ritual killings to economic hardship and widespread poverty.

According to Abubakar, these challenges have driven many, especially young people, to seek alternative, albeit criminal, means of wealth acquisition.

He said that the high unemployment rate has led to increased desperation, with some individuals believing that ritual sacrifices may offer a shortcut to financial success.

Abubakar said: “Moral decay is on the rise. If this decay is not addressed, it could lead to an increase in other forms of criminality.

“They include human trafficking, organ harvesting, and cult-related violence, further destabilising the nation.$
A public affairs commentator, Isa Muhammad, stressed the importance of collaboration between the security agencies and community leaders to curb these crimes.

“Community policing initiatives should be expanded to encourage local participation in crime detection and reporting.

” Vigilance groups should also be involved in monitoring suspicious activities,” he said.

Isa further emphasised that traditional and religious leaders must take a strong stance against immoral practices, while educational institutions should enforce ethics that all.the students must adhere to.

Similarly , Abdulrazak Abdullahi, a Lawyer, expressed concern over the growing incidents of ritual killings, highlighting a shift in values where human life was no longer sacred.

“The increasing prevalence of ritual killings suggests a dangerous shift in societal values, with people willing to engage in barbaric acts for personal gains,” Abdullahi said,

He urged the law enforcement agencies to act proactively rather than only responding after crimes have been committed.

Abubakar then called for closer cooperation between the Police, judiciary, intelligence agencies, and community leaders to dismantle criminal syndicates behind these killings.

“The government should strengthen legal frameworks, improve law enforcement, and ensure the swift prosecution of offenders,” he added.

An activist, Amina Ali, also called for the intensification it public awareness campaigns and the enactment of stricter laws to create a safer and more secure society.

She stated that the high unemployment had fueled desperation, with some resorting to ritual sacrifices as a shortcut to wealth.

Ali warned, “If the growing moral decay is not addressed, it could lead to increased criminal activities, including human trafficking, organ harvesting, and cult-related violence, further destabilising the nation.” (NAN)

Source: Kaduna, Kano, Katsina residents seek death sentence for ritualists, cannibals

And:

Ritual Killings: Why I Advocate Death Penalty For Perpetrators –Campaigner

Published: March 3, 2025
By: New Telegraph-Admin – New Telegraph, Nigeria

A campaigner against ritual killing, Mr Sunday Oyinloye, has advocated death penalty for perpetrators of the act. He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that the increasing cases of ritual killings had become a source of worry.

Oyinloye, who blamed the development on the decay in family values, laziness and desire to get rich at all cost, said death penalty would be a great deterent.

The campaigner said society, schools, families, religious bodies and government were not doing enough to address the vice.

Oyinloye called for more engagements on ritual killings in the country, adding that the seeming nonchalance about the menace over time was part of the reasons for its increased rate.

He said: “As it is now, there is no conversation about ritual killings and we keep having cases on daily basis.

“Relevant stakeholders must rise up against this menace and speak out against this ugly trend where women and young girls are often the victims.”

Source: Ritual Killings: Why I Advocate Death Penalty For Perpetrators –Campaigner

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

Posted on August 31, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

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

Nigerians donate N1m for ex-inmates wrongfully jailed 24 years over ritual murder

Posted on July 30, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Ex-inmates Ismail Lasisi and Lukman Adeyemi spent 24 years in prison for the ritual killing of a woman they knew nothing about.

The following story is a horror story. The rule of law in Nigeria shows, to say the least, flaws. The two key persons in this article, Ismael Lasisi and Lukman Adeyemi, were arrested and detained in 2000, severely tortured by law enforcers (sic!) and sentenced to death in 2009 – but were released this year, in 2024.

Their painful and harrowing experience teaches us a lesson: to be careful with our judgements and always check facts.

On the positive side: Nigerians have donated N1m to the two former inmates. I sincerely hope that the two wrongfully jailed Nigerians will recover and that they will be able to re-build their lives despite the 24 wasted years.
(FVDK)

Some information on Oyo State where it all happened.

Oyo State is 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.

Oyo State is an inland state and Nigeria’s sixth most populous state (after Kano, Lagos, Katsina, Kaduna and Bauchi states) with an estimated 9 to 10 million people (2024) and ranks 14 by surface area with 28,454 km2.

Ibadan is Oyo State’s capital and its most populous city, and Nigeria’s third (after Lagos and Kano). It’s population is estimated at close to 4 million people whereas in its metropolitan area an estimated 6 million people live, mainly Yoruba but also Igbo, Hausa, Edo and Ibibio from other parts of Nigeria.

Nigerians donate N1m for ex-inmates wrongfully jailed 24 years over ritual murder

Published: July 28, 2024
By: Enitan Daramola – Punch, Nigeria

Well-meaning Nigerians have donated at least one million naira on behalf of ex-inmates Ismail Lasisi and Lukman Adeyemi, who spent 24 years in prison for the ritual killing of a woman they knew nothing about.

In an emotional interview with The Punch, Lasisi and Adeyemi shared their harrowing experience. They were arrested and detained in August 2000, coerced into confessing to the murder under severe torture by security operatives. They were sentenced to death in 2009 but were miraculously released on June 12, 2024.

Adeyemi, who had housed Lasisi after a fallout with the prime suspects, was arrested with his friend when they visited a police station in Oyo State, following police inquiries about Lasisi.

“In August 2000, after returning home from work with a friend living with me, Ismaila Lasisi, we were told that the Police came to look for Ismaila and he was asked to report himself to the station.

“I immediately decided to follow him to the station, lo and behold I was arrested and detained along with him. I was tortured to the point of death over a crime I knew nothing about, right from the police station. I had a close shave with death over the murder of a woman who was hired by some ex-friends of Ismaila Lasisi to fetch water for them at the construction site. The woman left home in the morning and she never returned home,” Adeyemi told Vanguard.

The ex-inmates credited their release to the Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR), led by Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi, who facilitated their exoneration.

In a surprising twist, the herbalist arrested in connection with the murder was later released by the police. But another suspect who was said to be innocent reportedly died under torture.

After seeking assistance to rebuild their lives, Lasisi’s account details were shared on The Punch’s social media pages. Within hours, he received donations totalling at least one million naira.

Lasisi revealed in a chat with one of our correspondents that as of 1:35 p.m. Saturday, they had received over 500,000 naira. By the time of this report, donations had reached one million naira.

“My friend, Lukman, decided to follow me to the police station to prove my innocence,” Lasisi told The Punch. “When we got there, the police detained us. Three days later, some SARS operatives from Abeokuta came to meet us,” Adeyemi chorused.

Lasisi added, “They battered and tied me up like an Ileya festival ram. They placed an iron on my chest and I was in distress. They beat me mercilessly from 4pm to 7pm. They took turns to beat me. I only survived by God’s grace because I could have died…”

Lasisi described how, after being untied but unable to move, he was carried to another room by an unknown person. He was unable to speak and could only stand up four days later, though the interrogation continued.

“Later that night, they untied me but I couldn’t move. I was motionless and an unrecognized person carried me to another room. I could no longer talk. I was able to stand up four days later but the interrogation continued.”

Under intense torture, Lasisi and Adeyemi were forced to falsely confess to the crime to end the brutality, but this only led to their death sentence.

Continuing the story, Adeyemi said, “They tortured someone beside me to death and showed me his corpse, We learnt that the person was also innocent but they tortured him to death.” Lasisi added, “They promised to stop the torture if I confessed to the murder and when I couldn’t take it anymore, I lied against myself to prevent further torture.”

Adeyemi also confessed to the crime he had no part in, due to the relentless torture. “When they wouldn’t stop torturing me, I lied against myself that I was involved in the murder.”

Watch the full video below:

Screenshot – to watch the video, please click here (Please note: original link not working properly)

Source: Nigerians donate N1m for ex-inmates wrongfully jailed 24 years over murder

Zimbabwe: public hearing for Death Penalty Abolition Bill

Posted on May 14, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Reportedly, there are 62 murderers on the death row in Zimbabwe. If the Death Abolition Bill will be passed, their death penalty will be commuted to life in prison.

Among those who will benefit from the proposed abolishment of the death penalty are the two convicted killers of a 7-year old boy, Tapiwa Makore, who was murdered for ritualistic purposes in 2020, a ritual murder which upset the entire nation. The boy was murdered by one of his uncles, Tapiwa Makore (60), and an accomplice, Tafadzwa Shamba (4), who were found guilty of the brutal murder and sentenced to death in 2023.

Last month Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s declared an amnesty by announcing his decision to commute the death sentences of prisoners at Zimbabwe’s maximum prisons to life imprisonment.

The last time that the death penalty was executed in Zimbabwe was in 2005.
(FVDK)

Public hearing dates set for Death Penalty Abolition Bill, week after Mnangagwa “saves” prisoners on roll

Published: May 3, 2024
By: Leopold Muntende

ZIMBABWEANS will, between May 6 and 10, be given an opportunity to share their views on the Death Penalty Abolition Bill in public hearings to be held across the country’s ten provinces.

Although independent of his decision, the hearings follow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent decision to commute the death sentences of prisoners at Zimbabwe’s maximum prisons to life imprisonment in an amnesty announced last month.

According to the government, 62 people were on death row.

In February, Cabinet approved the principles to the Death Penalty Abolition Bill that seek to abolish capital punishment.

Committee on Human Rights have jointly announced a series of public hearings to discuss the death penalty,” said Parliament.

“These hearings aim to engage stakeholders, gather perspectives and guide potential legal reforms regarding three Bills currently before Parliament.”

Although Zimbabwe’s last execution was in 2005, the death sentence has, however, continued to be passed.

The Zimbabwean constitution allows for imposition of the death penalty in cases involving murder committed under aggravating circumstances and only on men between 21 and 70 years of age.

Cabinet’s decision to approve the principles of the Bill provoked discussions online with some arguing capital punishment must be maintained while citing cases such as that of Tapiwa Makore (7) whose head was hacked off by his uncle (Tapiwa Makore Snr) in a ritual killing that shocked the country in 2020.

Human rights organisations such as Amnesty International however declared the move progressive: “Zimbabwe has taken the right step towards ending this abhorrent and inhuman form of punishment that has no place in our world.”

The public hearings will also discuss the Criminal Law Amendment (Protection of Children and Young Persons) Bill “which aims to bring the law on sexual offences against minors into line with the Constitution” and the Administration of Estates Amendment Bill, “which seeks to restructure the office of the Master of the High Court.”

The schedule is copied below;

Team A:

Dates: From May 6 to May 10, 2024

Locations:

May 6, 2024: Kadoma Rimuka Hall

May 7, 2024: Gweru Mkoba Hall

May 8, 2024: Bulawayo Selborne Hotel

May 9, 2024: Lupane Community Hall

May 10, 2024: Filabusi Avoka

Team B:

Locations:

May 6, 2924: Tendai Hall, Bindura

May 7, 2024: Stodart Hall, Mbare

May 8, 2024: Mbuya Nehanda Hall, Marondera

May 9, 2024: Dangamvura Beit Hall

May 10, 2024: Masvingo Civic Center Hall, Masvingo

Time: All meetings start at 10:00 AM

Source: Public hearing dates set for Death Penalty Abolition Bill, week after Mnangagwa “saves” prisoners on roll

Uganda: can increase in ritual murders be stopped by harsher punishment for murderers?

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

“Perhaps it is time to debate whether there are situations that require the death penalty” – says Miriam Wangadya, chairperson Human Rights Commission Uganda.

The chairperson of the Human Rights Commission Uganda, Miriam Wangadya, is devastated and despairing. The gruesome ritualistic killing of innocent victims often young children is heartbreaking, she says. The mutilated bodies found are disgusting witnesses of a violent death.

She cites a number of well-known recent ritual murder cases including the ritual murder of a four-year old girl in Jinja district in 2021 and the ritualistic murder of two young girls, sisters, by their mother, also in Jinja district in 2023. Statistics release by Uganda National Police indicate that ritualistic sacrifices are on a steady increase from 22 cases in 2019, to 45 in 2020, to 46 in 2021 and 72 in 2022.

The chair of the Human Rights Commission Uganda makes a plea for harsher punishment.

Since Uganda observes a moratorium on the death penalty she suggests to have a national debate whether indeed there are situations which require the death penalty. The law must take its full force, she argues, and murderers who kill innocent and helpless children deserve the capital punishment. Punishment should match the crime. A stern message is to be sent out that murder in al its forms is totally unacceptable and is met with the strongest deterrent, she insists.

But will the capital punishment, ‘an eye for an eye’, really act as a deterrent for the greedy and ruthless criminals who are willing to sacrifice the life of a human being for more money, power, or prestige?
(FVDK)

Murderers of innocent children deserve harsher punishment

Published: April 9, 2024
By: New Vision, Uganda

Source: Murderers of innocent children deserve harsher punishment

Zimbabwe: ritual killings rise

Posted on February 4, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Shocking news from Zimbabwe, as reported by a national news site: ritual murders in the country are on the rise – allegedly.

Whereas the occurrence of ritualistic murders, locally often referred to as ‘muti murders’, is not in doubt – as demonstrated by the numerous cases reported on the present site, you may consult the dropdown menu ‘African countries’ to access all posts on Zimbabwe – it is nevertheless shocking to hear that there is an apparent recent surge in the number of these cruel crimes. As you may know, the organs or body parts ‘needed’ for ‘muti‘ have to be harvested from a living person.

One would think that the Tapiwa Makore murder case and the sentencing to death of his convicted murderers, his uncle and an accomplice, would deter potential perpetrators of muti related murders. According to recent newspaper reports, this is not the case.

A psychotherapist consulted (see the article below) points to mental illness as a significant factor behind these gruesome murders. I’ve often asked myself the same question: What makes someone a ritualistic murderer? Certainly, more research needs to be done as to why people ‘cross a border’ and decide to kill another human being – in a cruel way – as a means to ‘get rich quick’, to have success in business or to gain a certain (often political) position. Is it superstition? Is it a criminal mind? Selfishness? Greed? Or are ritualistic murderers mentally disturbed persons who should be treated for their ‘illness’ in stead of punished – death by hanging or a long prison sentence?

Asking the question means answering it.

Who knows the answer?
(webmaster FVDK)

Zimbabwe: Ritual Killings Rise

Is the capital punishment a deterrent for potential ritualistic killers?

Published: February 3, 2024
By: ZimEye, Zimbabwe

A disturbing trend is sweeping across the nation, as reports of suspected ritual murders are on the rise, leaving communities in shock and children as primary targets of these heinous acts.

The superstitious belief that killing individuals in a specific manner, particularly involving torture and processing certain body parts, can create and maintain wealth is contributing to an alarming increase in brutal killings, leaving many with unanswered questions.

The resurgence of ritual killings has prompted concerns and calls for action from various quarters.

Traditional healer Sekuru Banda, dismissing the superstitions, condemns those who propagate such beliefs, emphasizing the need for hard work instead of seeking easy money through horrific means. Banda urges a change in mindsets, highlighting the dangers of people being led astray in pursuit of illusory wealth.

To gain further insights, a news crew sought the perspective of psychotherapist Dr. Mertha Nyamande, who points to mental illness as a significant factor behind gruesome murders.

Dr. Nyamande explains that many offenders, especially those involved in removing body parts, may suffer from mental ailments or psychopathy, challenging the notion that these acts are rooted in ritualistic beliefs. From a legal standpoint, Mr. Moffat Makuvatsine sheds light on how the law addresses ritual killings.

While there is no specific provision for such crimes, they can be treated as murder committed under aggravating circumstances, potentially carrying the death penalty or life imprisonment.

The legal expert emphasizes that any murder proved to have ulterior motives may result in severe penalties. Recent cases, including the tragic death of Tapiwa Makore, have brought the issue of ritual killings to the forefront.

Tapiwa’s killers, his uncle Tapiwa Senior and Tafadzwa Shamba, were sentenced to death for their involvement in the gruesome crime.

However, the scourge continues, with a recent incident in Guruve involving the brutal murder of a three-year-old, whose body was decapitated and burnt, with missing body parts.

The perpetrators of this heinous act remain at large, underscoring the urgency for a concerted effort from law enforcement and communities to address and eradicate the deeply troubling surge in ritual killings.

As the nation grapples with this distressing epidemic, there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies that include education, mental health awareness, and stringent legal measures to curb the prevalence of such horrific crimes.

Source: Ritual Killings Rise

Uganda: some reflections on human sacrifice

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Human sacrifice is a widespread phenomenon in Uganda while some specific regions are notoriously known for their ritualistic killings. Yesterday, November 5, I posted an article on the sentencing of a man from Mayunge District who had killed his son for personal gain in 2017, and the day before, on November 4, I posted an article on a mother in the Kiira region who had killed two of her children, also for ritual purposes. These are not isolated cases as the following demonstrates.

Two witchdoctors in the Kamuli District were arrested earlier this year, suspected of a ritual child sacrifice while in Luwero District on January 7 an 8-year boy was kidnapped from his family’s courtyard and found back without head, fingers and toes. In November 2022 two men from Kayunga District were found guilty of child sacrifice committed in 2009. Within Uganda the Kayunga District has earned the dubious reputation of being one of the most notorious killing places.

Kayunga District shares this reputation with the Kiira region (Wakisi District, Central Region). The most recent ritual murder case in this region is the one reported above but also in August 2022 a man and his wife in Jinja District were arrested for killing their child in a ritual practice. In May 2021 police in Kayunga District had to protect a man from a mob threatening to kill him after he had allegedly killed two of his children for rituals purposes.

In July 2022 a spike was reported in human sacrifices. I’m afraid that the child sacrifice and other ritual murder cases mentioned in this report (see my July 11 posting) and the above mentioned murders are just the tip of the iceberg. After all, it is only logical to assume that not all ritual killing cases are being discovered or reported. An unknown number of children or elderly people, victims of ritualistic practices, may have disappeared without leaving traces.

Since 2021 convicted ritual murderers in Uganda may face the death penalty. In May parliament enacted the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Bill, 2020, which includes the capital punishment or life imprisonment for any person found guilty of human sacrifice. The bill inspired me to some reflections – see my May 7 posting.

Since the enactment of the bill a number of convicted ritual murderers have been sentenced to heavy sentences and many years in prison, but the ugly phenomenon has not been eradicated. It’s a sad reality.

Nigeria: human eaters… end of the road – the 2019 Favour Daley-Oladela ritual murder case

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

The murder for ritual purposes of Favour Daley-Oladela in 2019 led to much unrest as well as a wave of articles on the terror of so-called ‘money rituals’ in Nigeria. For briefness sake I may refer here to my posting of January 9, 2020 ‘A selection of articles on the ritual murder of Favour Daley-Oladele, Nigeria’.

As a reminder I will recall what basically happened on the fateful day in December 2019 when the innocent university student was brutally murdered. Favour Daley-Oladele, a final year student of Lagos State University (LASU), was murdered and partly cannibalized for a ritualistic motive, a ‘money ritual’, by her boyfriend Owolabi Adeeko, aided by Philip Segun, a white garment church pastor and his mother, Mrs. Bola Adeeko.

Last month, a High Court found both men guilty of conspiracy and murder and sentenced them to death by hanging for murder (Owolabi Adeeko) and 14 years imprisonment (Philip Segun) for conspiracy. The court also found Bola, Owolabi’s mother, guilty of eating human flesh and sentenced her to two years imprisonment.

Read the full article below. Warning: the article may upset readers because of its shocking and graphic contents.
(FVDK)

Human eaters…end of the road

Published: August 6, 2023
By: Shina Abubakar, Osogbo – Vanguard, Nigeria

The long arm of justice, after three years, finally caught up with killers and eaters of Favour Daley-Oladele, a final year student of Lagos State University, brutally murdered and used for “victory soup” ritual concoction by her boyfriend, Owolabi Adeeko, and a prophet, Segun Philip.

Last month, a High Court found Owolabi and Segun guilty of conspiracy and murder and sentenced them to death by hanging for murder and 14 years imprisonment for conspiracy.

The court also found Bola, Owolabi’s mother, guilty of eating human flesh and sentenced her to two years imprisonment.

Favour, a student of Theatre Arts, was in a final semester and at home to meet her parents before Owolabi put a call to her to meet him, so they could meet his uncle at Ikoyi in Isokan local government area of Osun State.

The deceased, who had attended church service on the day, also spoke with her father who wished her success in her final examinations before setting out on the fateful trip.

Before leaving home on that day, she also informed her mother that she was going back to school but will also be seeing a friend on her way and the mother never knew that the friend would eventually use her for “victory soup” and together with his mother “eat her up for their own good”.

Days after leaving home, Favour’s parents became apprehensive having tried to reach her on phone severally and were not successful, an unusual character, hence, they reached out to her friends in school who told them she had not returned to school.

The parents had to report a missing person at a police station in Mowe, Ogun State.

Meanwhile, Owolabi and Prophet Philip had concluded plans on how to kill the missing girl and butcher her for ritual soup.

She had journeyed all the way from Mowe to Osun and, upon arrival, she was lodged in a hotel in Ikoyi but rather than allow her rest upon complaint of tiredness, the boyfriend urged her to meet his supposed uncle before she would later come back to the hotel for a complete rest.

At a church, which is secluded from the rest of the community, Favour still complained of the need to rest and her boyfriend urged her to enter into the partial wooden building to rest while he and his prophet accomplice concluded their talk before returning to the hotel.

While Owolabi and Segun chatted outside the building they took time to check on the poor lady and having been sure that she was fully asleep, Owolabi took a pestle and smashed it on her head. Thereafter, the prophet cut her opened and took the vital organs needed for the ritual soup.

Arrest

After Favour’s parents reported that she was missing at the police division in Mowe, the Divisional Police Officer assembled a team of detectives to find her.

The team, according to Ogun Police Command spokesperson, tracked her phone to her last destination, hence, the team mounted surveillance in the town and further tracked the last location of the phone to the church where the prophet was arrested.

The cleric informed the police that the deceased was brought to him by Owolabi who was still in the hotel where he lodged. They were both arrested after Christmas in 2019.

‘I lured her to Ikoyi to kill’

After his arrest, Owolabi told police detectives that he lured the victim to Osun under the pretence to meet his uncle and spend more time together.

He added that she travelled down because of the trust she had in him as the victim had not embarked on such journey before that one which eventually was her last.

His confessional statement which was tendered in court “I called Favour on December 8, 2019 to meet me at Ikoyi-Ile so that we could spend time together. She met me at an hotel in the area, but immediately she got there, she started complaining that she was tired and needed to rest.

“I told her that we needed to visit my dad’s younger brother before she would rest. It was a lie. I tricked her into going to the church of Segun. When we got to the church, again, she complained that she wanted to sleep, so, I asked her to go into the church and rest.

“When she slept off, I used a pestle to smash her in the head and she died. After we confirmed she was dead, Pastor Segun slaughtered her and removed the vital organs from her body which he used to prepare concoction for me and my mum to eat.

“Despite what we ate, things have not improved till I was arrested. My mum’s business has not improved after what we did and despite all our efforts. I think the money ritual did not work”.

He added that his mother was not aware of his evil plans and was made to believe that she was eating ritual soup prepared from goat’s organs.

Owolabi agreed to face the consequences of his actions but asserted that punishing his mother would amount to an injustice.

On his part, Segun admitted to cutting the deceased open after her boyfriend had killed her, removed her vital organs to prepare the spiritual meal for mother and son to be victorious of spiritual attacks.

His words also admitted as confession in court: “It is true I slaughtered Favour with a knife. I removed her heart, breasts, and other vital organs so we could use them for rituals. But, I was not the one that smashed her head with a pestle. Owolabi did it.

“We deceived Mrs Adeeko that the concoction was prepared with goat’s organs. She was not aware we used human parts in the concoction I gave her. I prepared the ritual for them because I was broke and I needed money. I demanded N250,000 but was paid N210, 000.

“I was called by God, but I think I have lost the call because of what I did”.

Owolabi’s mother, Bola, said she was not aware a human was killed in a bid for her to overcome her spiritual challenges.

According to her, she was made to believe the concoction she ate was prepared from goat meat.

Exhuming body

Following their arrest and confession, Owolabi and Segun told the police that the remains of Favour were buried in the church building. The entire community was thrown into frenzy when the remains were exhumed from a shallow grave close to the building.

The already decomposing body was packed in a body bag and transported to Ogun State with a view to delivering it to the family after autopsy.

Arraignment

The three suspects were first arraigned before an Osun State Magistrate Court in November 2020 after investigation by the police on two counts of conspiracy and murder.

They were later arraigned before a High Court sitting in Ikire.

The prosecution, led by Adekemi Bello, called nine witnesses during trial to establish conspiracy and murder charges against the suspects who testified for themselves.

At the end of trial, Justice Christiana Obadina found Owolabi and Segun guilty of conspiracy and murder.

She sentenced the Prophet and Owolabi to death by hanging for murder and 14 years imprisonment for conspiracy.

The trial judge also found Bola, Owolabi’s mother, guilty of eating human flesh and sentenced her to two years imprisonment.

Reaction

The Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ile, Oba Yisau Oyetunji, said the community is peaceful and the people peace loving.

He maintained that the killer-prophet is not an indigene of the community.

The monarch stressed that churches should be properly registered with a view to identifying and preventing such horrible incident.

“From my findings, the self-acclaimed pastor is not an indigene of Ikoyi. The fellow who took the lady to the place, his mother and the victim are also not from Ikoyi”, he said.

“My plea to religious leaders and residents of Ikoyi and Osun State in general is to be vigilant. We should take up responsibility to secure our areas.

“If we see any strange faces or movements, we should try and do our findings on them. Our surveillance should not be restricted to strangers alone. We should not be silent on the issue of security. We should report to the police anyone constituting security risk”.

Meanwhile, the sentencing of the killers means a proper closure to a sad tale for Favour’s parents as justice appears to have been served.

Source: Human eaters…end of the road

Ritual Killing In Africa

Human Rights, Rule of Law, and Superstition in Africa

Category Archives: capital punishment