Kwara State, Nigeria: The Emir of Ilorin condemns ritual killing of final-year student, says justice must be served

Recently, I published two posts on the ritual murder of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, (KWCOE), Ilorin, reportedly by one Abdulrahman Bello. Please see my posts of February 18, Nigeria: Yetunde Lawal’s murder – A reflection of societal decadence, and of March 3, Nigeria: religious leaders bemoan surge in ritual killings among clerics.

The Emir of Ilorin (Kwara State) and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council joined religious leaders in condemning the ritual killing of Hafsoh Lawal. By publicly condemning the violent crime, the Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Sulu-Gambari also joined other traditional rulers who recently spoke out against the crime of ritual murder in this West African country.

Last month monarch Eze Philip Ajomuiwe raised the alarm in Abia State, revealing that over 30 bodies had been dumped into the Imo river between 2024 and February 2025. Reportedly the corpses found were mutilated, a sign that the victims had been killed for ritualistic purposes. Earlier in the same month, a monarch in Delta State, the Asagba of Asaba, banned native doctors for aiding ritual killers. Moreover, early February the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, in Ogun State, accused Ekiti and Kwara monarchs of engaging in ritual killings.

The religious leaders and traditional rulers who speak out against the crime of ritual murder are to be commended.

Nigeria’s political leaders and legislators, and the police and judicial authorities of Africa’s most populated country should leave no stone unturned to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of ritualistic murders while simultaneously campaigning for the eradication of the get-rich-quick mentality which in combination with the belief in tradition and superstition perpetuate the cruel crime of murder for ritualistic motives and gross human rights violations.
(webmaster FVDK)

Emir of Ilorin condemns ritual killing of final-year student, says justice must be served

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR

Published: February 16, 2025
By: Abdulrahaman Taye Damilola – The Informant, Nigeria

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has expressed sadness over the gruesome killing of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, (KWCOE), Ilorin by one Abdulrahman Bello, an acclaimed ‘alfa’.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, condemned the incident, saying, “It is most unfortunate, alien and regrettable act of wickedness.”

According to him, “It has become pertinent for parents, guardians as well as people in the neighbourhood to remain vigilant to happenings around them, especially ensuring that their children and wards are in the company of people of tested and trusted characters with well-researched family background.

“It is only hardwork that pays; total war should be declared against idleness, laziness and unwarranted loitering around the society by youths in the name of finding means of survival.”

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari also urged clerics in the Ilorin Emirate and beyond to sanitise the system by ensuring that the likes of Abdulrahman Bello are expressly exposed to the law enforcement agencies before wrecking more havoc and damaging the lives of innocent persons.

While commiserating the families of the late Hafsoh Lawal over the unfortunate end to the life of the promising daughter, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari urged the Nigeria Police and the Judiciary to ensure that toral justice is served in this matter while also directing religious leaders, especially Imams in Mosques in Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State at large to ensure that their Friday Khutbah focuses more attention on morality, dignity in labour as well as importance and respect for the souls of fellow human-being irrespective of tribe, religion and status.

The Informant247 reports that an Ilorin-born middle-aged man identified as Abdulrahman Bello has allegedly killed and dismembered the body of Lawal Hafsoh, a final-year student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, for suspected ritual purposes.

According to reports, the deceased, Lawal Hafsoh, had on Monday, 10th of February 2025, declared missing after receiving a call at the naming ceremony.

It was gathered that the lady’s whereabouts were unknown since she received the call.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, 11th of February 2025, the deceased parents reported the case to the Divisional Police Station at Oja Oba Police Station in Ilorin, the state capital.

However, the police requested her phone number and used it to track her last call, which was traced to an individual living in the Offa garage area of Ilorin,

The suspect, whose family house is in Isalekoto, was tracked and arrested, where he initially denied the knowledge of the lady’s whereabouts. However, when the police searched his house, he confessed that the lady was in his area and had died from an asthma attack after he called her to come over.

Upon further investigation, the police found the lady’s body dismembered and hidden in a bowl, along with the equipment used to dismember her. The suspect is now at the police headquarters in Ilorin.

It was reported that the suspect and the deceased met on Facebook, where they both got connected.

However, an effort to speak to the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer SP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi proved abortive as she didn’t pick up her call at the time of filing this report.

Source: Emir of Ilorin condemns ritual killing of final-year student, says justice must be served

Related:

Police arrest suspected ritualist for killing final-year student in Ilorin, Kwara State

Police arrest suspected ritualist for killing final-year student in Ilorin

Published: February 15, 2025
By: Abdulrahaman Taye Damilola – The Informant, Nigeria

An Ilorin-born middle-aged man identified as Abdulrahman Bello has allegedly killed and dismembered the body of Lawal Hafsoh, a final-year student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, for suspected ritual purposes.

According to reports, the deceased, Lawal Hafsoh, had on Monday, 10th of February 2025, declared missing after receiving a call at the naming ceremony.

It was gathered that the lady’s whereabouts were unknown since she received the call.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, 11th of February 2025, the deceased parents reported the case to the Divisional Police Station at Oja Oba Police Station in Ilorin, the state capital.

However, the police requested her phone number and used it to track her last call, which was traced to an individual living in the Offa garage area of Ilorin,

The suspect, whose family house is in Isalekoto, was tracked and arrested, where he initially denied the knowledge of the lady’s whereabouts. However, when the police searched his house, he confessed that the lady was in his area and had died from an asthma attack after he called her to come over.

Upon further investigation, the police found the lady’s body dismembered and hidden in a bowl, along with the equipment used to dismember her. The suspect is now at the police headquarters in Ilorin.

It was reported that the suspect and the deceased met on Facebook, where they both got connected.

However, an effort to speak to the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer SP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi proved abortive as she didn’t pick up her call at the time of filing this report.

Source: Police arrest suspected ritualist for killing final-year student in Ilorin

Nigeria: Ogun State and the death penalty

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

Governor Abiodun

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: ‘No record of ritual killings in Benue State’ – True or not true?

Warning: links in this post may lead to articles containing graphic details which may upset readers.

At first sight one may wonder why I include the following news article(s), ‘No record of ritual killings in Benue State’ according to police sources. ‘Good news’, one would say.

However, I remember several posts on this site reporting and commenting on killings for ritualistic motives in Benue State. Besides, I far from pretend to have covered all discovered ritual murder cases in Benue State in the past few years.

To be more precise, I point to the following posts (while reminding the reader that I only started this website in 2018):

Benue Police paraded a man who murdered his son for ritual purposes (posted on March 8, 2019); and ‘I killed 16 victims and offered their blood for ritual’ (posted on October 24, 2019).

In 2020 I posted ‘Nigeria: ritual killings everywhere‘ based on a 2014 article which included a ritual murder case in Benue State in 2007.

The following year, two posts included ritualistic murders in Benue State: The scourge of ritual killings in Nigeria (posted on May 11, 2021) and
Nigeria: ritual killers disguised as lovers (posted on June 27, 2021).
Also in 2022 Benue State was in the news: Cult killings create chaos in Nigeria (April 16, 2022).

What do you mean, ‘No record of ritual killings in Benue State’?

Below I’ve included five Nigerian newspaper articles with virtually the same text and bringing the same message – the same wrong message.

The conclusion is evident: One must always be careful to accept without question that what is written is true.
(webmaster FVDK)

Background information:

Benue State is located in the North Central geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones). With a surface area of 34,059 km2 Benue State ranks 11th (out of 36 states) and with a population of about 7 million people in 2024 it also occupies the 11th position. The capital of Benue State is Makurdi.

No record of ritual killings in Benue – Police

Published: March 3, 2025
By:  Ejembi Ogwuche – Daily Post, Nigeria

The Benue State Police Command has said there is no record of ritual killings in the state.

This spokesperson of the command, CSP Catherine Anene made the assertion in Makurdi on Sunday.

She noted that although there are other crimes, there is no reported case of ritual killing in the state.

Anene also stressed that there is information or evidence about the existence of cannibals or human parts markets in the state.

“We don’t have intelligence reports of any human parts market in Benue.

“So we have not recorded any ritual killing; there are other crimes, but not this particular one.

“We are always on red alert,” she said.

Source: No record of ritual killings in Benue – Police

Also:

Police Speaks On Ritual Killings In Benue

Published: March 3, 2025
By: Naijapals Base (Metro life) – GistMania, Nigeria

Contrary to the news reports making rounds, the Benue State Police Command has said there is no record of ritual killings in the state.

debunking the purported report, the State Command Spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene who spoke in Makurdi, noted that although there are other crimes, there is no reported case of ritual killing in the state.

Anene also stressed that there is information or evidence about the existence of cannibals or human parts markets in the state.

“We don’t have intelligence reports of any human parts market in Benue.

“So we have not recorded any ritual killing; there are other crimes, but not this particular one.

“We are always on red alert,”
 she said.

Source: Police Speaks On Ritual Killings In Benue

Also:

Police Speaks On Ritual Killings In Benue

Contrary to the news reports making rounds, the Benue State Police Command has said there is no record of ritual killings in the state.

Debunking the purported report, the State Command Spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene who spoke in Makurdi, noted that although there are other crimes, there is no reported case of ritual killing in the state.

Anene also stressed that there is information or evidence about the existence of cannibals or human parts markets in the state.

“We don’t have intelligence reports of any human parts market in Benue.

“So we have not recorded any ritual killing; there are other crimes, but not this particular one.

“We are always on red alert,” she said.

Source: Police Speaks On Ritual Killings In Benue

Also:

Benue has no record of ritual killings – Police

Published: March 3, 2025
By: EDIRI OYIBO – The News Guru, Nigeria

There has not been any record of ritual killing in Benue, the Police Command in the state has said.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, told NAN on Sunday in Makurdi that there was no intelligence report to that effect.

Anene, however, admitted that though other crimes to some extent still persisted in the state, there were no reported cases of ritual killings.

She also stressed that there was also no information or evidence about the existence of cannibals or human parts market in the state.

“We don’t have intelligence reports of the existence of any human parts market in Benue.

“So we have not really recorded any ritual killing, there are other crimes, but not this particular one. We are always on red alert,” she said.

According to Mr Terwase Shagbaor, Founder, Benue Patriotic Youths Movement, the people only hear and read about ritual killings in the media.

Shagbaor said the state was yet to record such heinous crimes.

He, therefore, encouraged Benue people, especially the youths, to steer clear of crime.

Also a motorcyclist, Agada Ogli, said that though his job entailed riding on the road day and night, he was yet to come across any suspected case of ritual killing in Benue.

Ogli, who also said motorcyclists often come across all kinds of crimes in the line of their duty, ritual killing was not one of them.

Source: Benue has no record of ritual killings – Police

Also:

Benue has no record of ritual killings – Police

Published: March , 2025
By: dolotop  – National Accord, Nigeria

There has not been any record of ritual killing in Benue, the Police Command in the state has said.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) , on Sunday in Makurdi that there was no intelligence report to that effect.

Anene, however, admitted that though other crimes to some extent still persisted in the state, there were no reported cases of ritual killings.

She also stressed that there was also no information or evidence about the existence of cannibals or human parts market in the state.

“We don’t have intelligence reports of the existence of any human parts market in Benue.

“So we have not really recorded any ritual killing, there are other crimes, but not this particular one. We are always on red alert,” she said.

According to Mr Terwase Shagbaor, Founder, Benue Patriotic Youths Movement, the people only hear and read about ritual killings in the media.

Shagbaor said the state was yet to record such heinous crimes.

He, therefore, encouraged Benue people, especially the youths, to steer clear of crime.

Also a motorcyclist, Agada Ogli, said that though his job entailed riding on the road day and night, he was yet to come across any suspected case of ritual killing in Benue.

Ogli, who also said motorcyclists often come across all kinds of crimes in the line of their duty, ritual killing was not one of them. (NAN)

Source: Benue has no record of ritual killings – Police

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

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: religious leaders bemoan surge in ritual killings among clerics

The following report illustrates well how widespread killing for ritualistic purposes is in Nigeria.

Ritual murders occur in all parts of the country, both in the predominantly christian south of the country and the islamic north, and are committed by educated and uneducated people, and by ‘ordinary’ people as well as high-placed persons, in traditional, political and religious organizations.

Despite this disturbing phenomenon, it is important and useful to emphasize also that the majority of the population abhor the cruel, outdated and criminal practices based on superstition, greed, and tradition, often facilitated or covered by the backing or involvement of ‘higher-ups’, resulting in a revolting impunity of these atrocities.
(webmaster FVDK)

Religious leaders bemoan surge in ritual killings among clerics

•Teenage suspects arrested for the murder of a female teenager in Ogun Photo: File copy

Published: March 1, 2025
By: Imoleayo Oyedeji – Punch, Nigeria

Christian and Islamic leaders have expressed concerns over the increasing cases of suspected ritual killings involving clerics across the country, attributing the disturbing trend to greed, and economic hardship.

Last week, an acclaimed Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Bello, gruesomely murdered a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Hafsoh Lawal.

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.

On January 23, the Rivers State Police Command arrested two pastors, Prophet Bassey Umoren (60) and Prophet Elijah Anietie (50), after discovering fetish items—including caskets, monkey skulls, carved skeletons, and other ritual materials—inside their churches.

Several cases of ritual killings were also recorded in 2024, including the arrest of an Islamic cleric, Oluwafemi Idris, popularly known as Alfa, by the Ondo State Police Command. He was caught with human parts, including hands, kidneys, and tongues.

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, some religious leaders attributed the relentless pursuit of wealth, power, and economic desperation as the driving forces behind the gruesome acts.

Archbishop of the Methodist Diocese in Lagos, Most Rev. Isaac Olawuyi, decried the killings, noting that it was fueled by an insatiable hunger for fame and fortune.

He said some pastors saw their ministry as money-making enterprises, hence their desperation to get money at all cost.

Olawuyi said, “We have seen cases where pastors kill their church members and use their body parts either to expand their congregation or gain supernatural power. Some clerics even engage in ritual practices purely for financial gain.

“It is unfortunate, but it happens because some pastors see ministry as a money-making enterprise. They are willing to do anything to grow their church and personal wealth. Today, many people enter clerical work, ministries, and prophecy with no divine calling—only the ambition to enrich themselves.”

Similarly, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Lagos, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, condemned the ritual killings, stating that clerics involved in such practices were driven not by greed and deception.

He described the clerics involved in ritual killings as agent of darkness.

“A true servant of God would never take a human life. The Bible and the Quran are clear: ‘Thou shalt not kill.’ So, anyone engaging in ritual killings—whether Christian or Muslim—is not a minister of God. They are agents of darkness in clerical robes, and we must not mistake them for true men of God.

“If caught, they should face the full weight of the law. The church stands vehemently against such evil, and I am certain Islam forbids it as well. Such practices have no place among believers, let alone religious leaders,” he said.

In his comment, the Chief Imam of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prof. Idris Ayinde, noted that many of the Muslims involved in ritual killings were young clerics who lack wisdom to complement their religious knowledge.

Ayinde said many young men who study Islamic theology end up tarnishing the image of Islam because they rush into leadership without acquiring wisdom.

“Learning wisdom requires sacrifice and patience—gaining insight from personal experiences of a tutor. This cannot be taught academically. However, many young clerics today refuse to serve under experienced scholars. They lack the humility to learn and grow,” he said.

Ayinde added, “In Islam, we believe whoever is destined to be rich will be rich. Islam encourages hard work, but it is Allah who grants success. Some people’s hard work may correlate directly with their prosperity, while for others, it may not.

However, no one should seek shortcuts to wealth. Islam does not condone any backdoor approach to riches. Any so-called scholar who engages in ritual killings cannot be considered a true Muslim, as Allah strictly forbids such acts.”

Source: Religious leaders bemoan surge in ritual killings among clerics

Abia State, Nigeria: after monarch Eze Philip Ajomuiwe raises the alarm, police probe discovery of over 30 mutilated corpses – ritual killings suspected

Warning: the following article contains graphic details which may upset readers.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones. Abia State is located in the South East geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (It is not to be confused with Abia, a town in Enugu State, north of Abia State, also in the South East geopolitical zone.)

The capital of Abia State is Umuahia.

Abia State is an inland state and one of Nigeria’s smallest states. With a surface area of 6,320 km2 it ranks 32nd (out of 36 states). It had an estimated population of nearly 5 million people, the majority of whom are Christians (2024) resulting in a 26th position. The most populous city is Aba, the state’s commercial center.

In 1991, Abia state was created out of Imo State, the two states are considered sister states and were part of the Eastern Region which in the late 1960s attempted to secede (Biafran War). The Igbo people are one of the indigenous peoples of the South-eastern part of Nigeria and make up 95% of the population.

A traditional local ruler, His Royal Highness (HRH) Eze Philip Ajomuiwe, recently raised the alarm, revealing that over 30 bodies had been dumped into the Imo river between 2024 and February 2025. Reportedly the corpses found were mutilated, a sign that the victims had been killed for ritualistic purposes.

The traditional ruler of Oriendu Autonomous Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, His Royal Highness Eze Philip Ajomiwe, has expressed deep concern following the discovery of more than 30 unidentified bodies in the Imo River over the past year. In a recent press briefing at his palace, Eze Ajomiwe disclosed that the victims, predominantly young women, were often found unclothed, with missing body parts, or enclosed in bags. Source: Instagram – peopleofabia_en myowerriblog

Since the authorities have failed to arrest any suspects, the monarch expressed his worries that the situation of fear in the region will last and he was appealing to the state government to take immediate and adequate action.
(webmaster FVDK)

Police probe discovery of 30 mutilated corpses in Abia community

Published: February 7, 2025
By: Steve Oko – Vanguard, Nigeria

The Abia State Police Command said it had launched an investigation into the alleged discovery of 30 bodies of suspected  ritual  killings in Imo River in Oriendu community.

This is coming on the heels of the alarm by the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Eze Philip Ajomuiwe, that over 30 bodies had been dumped into the river between 2024 and February 2025.

Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chilaka, told Vanguard that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ohuhu Police Division, had commenced an investigation into the sad development.

She said the community shared a boundary with Imo State, adding that Police were collaborating with vigilantes in the area to unravel those behind the dastardly act.

The PPRO said  that even though there had been no official complaint to the police about the ugly  incident, the Command based on the inquiries by Vanguard, had initiated an investigation into the matter.

She vowed that those behind the heinous crime would not escape the long arm of the law.

Eze Ajomuiwe had while addressing newsmen in his palace at the weekend, revealed that over 30 bodies, mostly young ladies had been dumped into the river by suspected ritualists from Imo State.

He said that the bodies, usually naked and without private parts, were dumped into the river in the middle of the night by the killers as the community wakes to see them in the morning.

He said: “The bodies, like the recent one, are either completely naked and without their private parts or in a bag. There have also been cases of two decomposing bodies seen beside the NNPC pipeline.

“The victims are mostly young girls. The ritualists from Imo usually come at night to dump the bodies of their victims inside the Imo River, and in the morning we wake to see them”.

The monarch expressed worry that no arrest had been made by security agencies since the incident began, adding that his subjects now live in fear.

According to him, efforts by the community’s vigilante group to arrest the suspects had failed too, because the group is not as equipped as the suspects are said to be.

“So, we’re appealing to the state government to empower the vigilante group with the necessary logistics and the wherewithal to enable it to match the suspects,” he said.

He argued that nobody ever embarks on such a mission with empty hands especially when the enemy is fully armed with sophisticated weapons and is ready to fight back.

The monarch said that his complaints about the situation to security agents had been to no avail, noting that the latest was a letter to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly on February 7.

“ We have reported even to the DSS and they came here and held a meeting with us. We need the Government’s intervention to apprehend those behind this atrocity”.

Source: Police probe discovery of 30 dead bodies in Abia community

Zambian and Namibian police investigate ritual killings

One of the most remote places on earth, Katima Mulilo, capital of Namibia‘s Zambezi Region, is in the news. Katima Mulilo has a population of about 50,000 people.

A combined police force from Namibia and Zambia is investigating killings in the Zambezi Region for the alleged harvesting of body organs and other body parts. Reportedly, most victims are children and vulnerable people.

The Zambezi Region, one of Namibia’s fourteen regions, is located in the north-eastern part of the country along the Zambezi River. Until 2013 it was known as the Caprivi Region, named after the Caprivi Strip, a narrow strip of land, protruding into three neighboring countries, Botswana to the south and Angola and Zambia to the north.
(FVDK)

Zambian and Namibian police investigate ritual killings

Published: February 18, 2025
By: Namibia Press Agency

The Zambian police have launched an urgent joint investigation with the Namibian Police into killings in the Zambezi region for the alleged harvesting of body parts and organs.

The victims are said to be mostly children and vulnerable people.

The body parts are believed to be sold or used in traditional rituals.

The investigation was prompted by a viral social media video shared on Monday, showing a handcuffed man being interrogated in Silozi by suspected Zambian police officers.

In the footage, a suspect confesses to collaborating with a resident of the Zambezi region to kidnap a child, murder them, and dismember their body.

The suspect also names a village in the Zambezi region and associates involved in the trade.

He further alleges that a child’s body was burned after their organs were removed and that he was paid N$5 000 for his role in the crime.

Katima Mulilo Police Station commander chief inspector Charles Mayumbelo has confirmed the joint investigation, but was hesitant to share more information.

“This is a very serious and sensitive issue that we are dealing with right now.

“We will contact you when we have all the necessary information,” he says.

Source: Zambian and Namibian police investigate ritual killings

Nigeria: Yetunde Lawal’s murder – A reflection of societal decadence

The author of the article below, Ogungbile Oludotun, is upset, worried, outraged. The recent murder of Yetunde Lawal for ritual purposes in Kwara State (‘money ritual’) by an Islamic teacher she met on Facebook inspired her to an impressive (but far from exhaustive) list of similar crimes, in other Nigerian states. Some of the ritual murder cases included in the list I have covered in previous posts, e.g. the killing for ritualistic purposes of Favour Daley-Oladele by her boyfriend Owolabi Adeyemi, in Ogun State in 2019. Please consult this site’s search tool by typing the name of the victim, Favour Daley-Oladele.

Olungbile Oludotun argues, as I have repeatedly done here, that the disturbing trend of ritual killings in Nigeria is no longer an occasional horror; it is a sustained crisis. She even goes one step further by accusing the powerful elite: “While young Nigerians kill themselves for money, the people in power remain silent.”

As I have demonstrated recently, there are – fortunately – exceptions, see my posts of February 3 on the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, accusing Ekiti and Kwara monarchs of engaging in ritual killings, and of February 16, on the Asagba of Asaba, in Delta State, bansning native doctors for aiding ritual killers.

However, t the grim reality is that ritual killings continue to occur.

When will it stop? What needs to be done to stop these useless murders? Why hasn’t it stopped already?

It’s not only time to reflect on these questions. It’s high time for action!
(webmaster FVDK)

Yetunde Lawal’s murder: A reflection of societal decadence

The late Yetunde Lawal

Published: February 18, 2025
By: Ogungbile Oludotun – Punch, Nigeria

On February 10, 2025, Yetunde Lawal, a 25-year-old final-year student of Kwara State College of Education, left a naming ceremony after receiving a phone call. That call led her to her untimely end. She was allegedly murdered and dismembered by 29-year-old Abdulrahman Bello, an Islamic teacher she met on Facebook.

Yetunde’s case is shocking, but it is not new. It follows an unsettling pattern of young women, and sometimes young men, falling victim to violent crimes across Nigeria. It forces us to confront a terrifying question: Who is next? How many more lives must be lost before the right people take notice?

The disturbing trend of ritual killings is no longer an occasional horror; it is a sustained crisis. Just last year, in September 2024, 17-year-old Damilola, a first-year undergraduate at the Federal University Lokoja (in Kogi State – added by the webmaster FVDK) was murdered by Jeremiah Awe, a young man who allegedly drugged and lured her to his lodge for ritual purposes. To cover his tracks, he faked her kidnapping and demanded a ransom from her parents. Investigations later revealed that Awe had met a native doctor through TikTok, exposing the dangerous role of social media in facilitating such crimes.

During that same period, 21-year-old Mojisola Awesu, a recent graduate of Kwara State College of Health Technology, was lured to a party in Ilorin. The party was a trap. She was brutally murdered after being paid just N15,000 to attend. Meanwhile, in 2023, a young man named Ridwan killed his father in Ogun State for ritual purposes.

These cases are not isolated incidents.

They form a grim reality: our youth are killing each other, their loved ones, and even themselves in a desperate quest for wealth and power. Pathetically, women, especially young girls, have become the primary victims of ritual killings. Their vulnerability, compounded by poverty, gender stereotypes, and weak law enforcement, makes them easy prey.

In 2019, 22-year-old Favour Daley-Oladele was murdered by her boyfriend, Owolabi Adeyemi, in Ogun State for ritual purposes. In 2020, Sofiat Kehinde, just 20 years old, was killed by her boyfriend, Sadiq Owolabi, in Oyo State. The list is endless.

The most terrifying aspect of this crisis is that young people are killing other young people. The generation that should be shaping Nigeria’s future is instead destroying itself. Those who are not engaged in crime are looking for ways to escape the country, either legally or illegally. Unlike in the past, where crime was associated with hardened criminals, today’s perpetrators are students, lovers, and social media acquaintances committing atrocities unapologetically.

Nigeria has become a country where wealth is worshipped, and morality is secondary. Social media is filled with young men flashing luxury cars, designer clothes, and expensive vacations. But behind many of these lavish lifestyles lie irregularities, fraud, blood money, and ritual killings.

With a collapsing economy and little to no job opportunities, desperation has led many young Nigerians to create their survival strategies, Yahoo fraud (internet scams), Yahoo Plus (fraud combined with rituals), kidnapping for ransom, and organ trafficking. The logic is simple: “If hard work does not get me there, I will do whatever it takes.”

Some might ask whether money rituals actually work or if it is all psychological manipulation. Some argue that the idea of ritual wealth is a scam, pushed by native doctors and fraudsters to exploit desperate individuals. Yet, the practice persists, fuelled by Nollywood, spiritual myths, and testimonies from people who claim to have “seen” it work. But whether rituals actually produce money is irrelevant. What is real is the number of innocent people dying in the pursuit of it. Even if it is all a lie, the belief is deadly enough to drive people to murder.

While it is easy to blame the perpetrators, young women must also take responsibility for their safety. They must stop being at the beck and call of men they barely know. It is no longer enough to simply trust; caution is necessary. Meeting strangers alone, especially in isolated places, is a risk no one should take. Flashy social media lifestyles should not be seen as an invitation to blindly trust someone. If a man you barely know is promising you heaven and earth, ask yourself: Why?

Women must also look out for each other. If a friend is about to meet someone she barely knows, question her, accompany her, or insist on a public place. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if only someone had asked the right questions.

While young Nigerians kill themselves for money, the people in power remain silent. The government offers no jobs but is quick to arrest fraudsters. But what alternatives have they provided? The truth is nobody is innocent in this crisis. Nigeria is a society that rewards wealth without questioning its source. We are all complicit.

I will not start telling the government to create job opportunities or fix the economy, even though they should. I won’t talk about enforcing the law, even though it is their duty. These are things that should already be in place. But while we wait for change that may never come, we must act ourselves.

Yetunde Lawal is gone. Another young life wasted. Another brutal headline in an unending cycle of horror. Perhaps now her killer will wander in prison for a long time, maybe even be executed if found guilty. But if we do nothing, her death will be meaningless. And the next victim is already walking towards his/her fate. Who is next?

Ogungbile Oludotun writes via thedreamchaser65@gmail.com

Related News

Source: Yetunde Lawal’s murder: A reflection of societal decadence

Uganda: emotions run high as thousands bury ritual murder victim Apio in Soroti

As announced in my previous post covering this tragic murder – now beyond doubt a ritual murder – dated February 12, Uganda: Wife of school director arrested over suspected ritual sacrifice in pupil’s murder, more news on the last moments of the victim, Joan Faith Apio, a five-year-old pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School, whose brutal murder has left Soroti City in shock.

When will it end? Will there ever be a day that ritualistic killings will have ceased to occur?

As the article below describes, outside the cathedral, emotions ran high as thousands of mourners stood in sorrow and solidarity, demanding justice. The pictures tell all.
(FVDK)

Emotions Run High As Thousands Bury Ritual Murder Victim Apio in Soroti

Joan Apio had only attended the school for two days when she was brutally murdered

Published: February 16, 2025
By: Eddy Enuru – Nile Post, Uganda

On Sunday, February 16, mourners gathered at St. Immaculate Catholic Parish to pay their last respects. Rev. Fr. Michael Omaria offered condolences to Apio’s grieving family, urging them to seek solace in faith.

Tension ran high at the requiem mass for Joan Faith Apio, a five-year-old pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School, whose brutal murder has left Soroti City in shock.

Her lifeless body was discovered locked inside a staff pit latrine on February 5, sending waves of grief and fear through the community.

The tragic incident has raised urgent concerns over the safety of children in private schools.

On Sunday, February 16, mourners gathered at St. Immaculate Catholic Parish to pay their last respects. Rev. Fr. Michael Omaria offered condolences to Apio’s grieving family, urging them to seek solace in faith.

He strongly condemned the ritualistic nature of the crime, calling it abhorrent.

Outside the cathedral, emotions ran high as thousands of mourners stood in sorrow and solidarity, demanding justice.

As public pressure mounted, police intensified their investigations, leading to multiple arrests. Soroti Resident City Commissioner Peter Pex Paak addressed mourners, confirming that several suspects had confessed and would soon face trial.

“Joan’s murder was like a movie. It was carefully planned, and several people played a role in killing her,” Paak stated.

According to investigators, the murder was premeditated and involved at least seven individuals.

Apio and her twin sister, Achen, had only recently joined Jozan Nursery and Primary School after their mother, Evelyn Akol, was reportedly manipulated into enrolling them.

On February 3, Akol unknowingly left her daughters in the hands of those who would later be implicated in the crime.

Two days later, Apio was lured into the staff latrine at around noon, where she was murdered.

Authorities believe one accomplice waited inside the latrine while another led the child in. A third suspect allegedly washed away the evidence immediately after the crime.

Apio’s blood was reportedly collected, wrapped in black plastic, and handed to an unidentified individual who fled the scene.

“We are now hunting for the person who received the blood from behind the school fence and escaped with it,” Paak added.

Police confirmed that all primary suspects were in custody and had provided statements detailing their roles. Meanwhile, authorities are actively pursuing the individual who took the blood.

Investigations also suggest that the director of another school in Soroti played a role in persuading Akol to enroll her daughters at Jozan.

East Kyoga Regional Police Commander Damalie Nakyuha confirmed the arrests of five individuals, including Joseph Okedi, the director of Jozan Nursery and Primary School, his wife, Suzan Vivian Okedi, and head teacher David Kadimba.

She assured the public that more arrests were expected as the probe continued.

Joan Faith Apio, born on December 17, 2019, was laid to rest on February 17, 2025, at her family home in Ateuso, Kapelebyong District.

As the city mourns, the demand for justice grows louder, with parents and authorities calling for greater oversight to protect children from similar tragedies.

Source: Emotions Run High As Thousands Bury Ritual Murder Victim Apio in Soroti

Also (though limited access):

Soroti Pupil was Killed for Ritual Sacrifices- RCC

The Soroti Resident City Commissioner, Peter Pex Paak says the murder was properly planned and executed by seven people whom he declined to name.

Published: February 17, 2025
By: Edward Eninu (Bureau Chief, Soroti) and Morris Okwi (freelancer) – UgandaRadioNetwork URN

You need to Log in and be a client to read this story in full and get access to audio and images.

Photo frame of Faith Joan Apio, the pupil killed at Jozan Nursery and Primary School in Soroti city.

Source: Soroti Pupil was Killed for Ritual Sacrifices- RCC

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

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