Nigeria: ‘Ritual killings, human parts business have taken over Igala Land’ (Kogi State)

Posted on October 13, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Ritual murders are not a recent phenomenon in Kogi State, Nigeria. See my previous posts (using the dropdown menu – under ‘African countries’ – in the heading of this site will give access to all posts on Nigeria).

Austin Okai, a former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency of Kogi State, has spoken urging law enforcement agencies and traditional rulers in Igala land to address the rising tide of ritual killings and human trafficking in the area. Recently a spike in ritual killings has been reported, creating an alarming situation in particular in Dekina LGA (local government area) of the state.

Some information on Kogi State where it all happens..

Kofi State is located in the North Central geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones.

Kogi State is an inland state. With a surface area of 29,833 km2 it ranks 13th (out of 36 states – excluding the Federal Territory of Abuja where the seat of the federal government is located). In 2023 its populations was estimated ar some 5 million people, resulting in a 25th place in states by population.

Kogi State’s population consists of various ethnic groups, including the Igala, Ebira, Gbagyi, and subgroups of the Nupe in the state’s center; the Igala (most dominant in the east), Agate, Basa-Komo and Idiom in the east, and various Yoruba subgroups in the west and central part of the state. (source: Wikipedia).

It is interesting to note that Austin Okai openly linked the so-called ‘Yahoo Yahoo Boys’ to the criminal acts of ritual murders and trade in human parts.
‘Yahoo Yahoo boys’ refers to Nigerians engaged in internet fraud.
(webmaster FVDK).

Ritual Killings, Human Parts Business Have Taken Over Igala Land – Okai Says

Published: October 12, 2024
By: Samuel – Tori news, Nigeria

Recent reports indicate a rise in cases of ritual killings in the area, with dead bodies exhumed from burial grounds and women brutally murdered and their body parts removed for sinister purposes.

On Saturday, Austin Okai, a former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency of Kogi State, urged law enforcement agencies and traditional rulers in Igala land to address the rising tide of ritual killings and human trafficking in the area.

Recent reports indicate a rise in cases of ritual killings in the area, with dead bodies exhumed from burial grounds and women brutally murdered and their body parts removed for sinister purposes.

Okai said the alarming situation, which is particularly prevalent in Dekina LGA of the state, raises urgent concerns about the safety and security of Igala communities.

In a statement he signed, Okai said the emergence of human parts trading has become a horrifying reality in Kogi East, with the notorious activities of ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ boys— individuals engaged in internet fraud — escalating into something far more sinister.

He said: “What was once viewed as a mere criminal enterprise has morphed into a grave threat to life and dignity, as these individuals increasingly resort to ritualistic practices to enhance their illicit gains.

“The abominable acts now dominating Igala land demand immediate attention and action from all stakeholders.

“It is imperative to recognize that the government holds the enforcement power necessary to address this crisis. Law enforcement agencies must be mobilized to investigate these heinous crimes, apprehend the perpetrators, and restore a sense of safety within our communities.

“The government must prioritize the establishment of a robust security framework that not only deters these criminal activities but also fosters trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

“However, government action alone is insufficient. Parents and guardians must awaken to the reality that the allure of quick wealth is leading many young people down a perilous path.

“The romanticization of internet fraud and the pursuit of easy money have dire consequences, as they draw our youth into a world where human life is devalued.

“It is crucial for families to engage in open conversations about the dangers of such lifestyles, promoting values of hard work, integrity, and respect for human life.”

Okai said community leaders, traditional rulers and religious institutions also have a vital role to play in combating the menace.

He said they must come together to condemn these practices and educate the public about the dangers of ritual killings and human trafficking, and provide support for victims and their families.

Okai added: “Creating awareness about the psychological and social impacts of these crimes can help foster a community that stands united against such atrocities.

“The time for action is now. We must not allow fear to paralyze us or silence our voices. It is our collective responsibility to protect our communities and ensure that the sanctity of life is upheld. By working together—government, families, community leaders, and citizens—we can combat the rising tide of ritual killings and human trafficking in Igala land.

“Let us reclaim our communities from the clutches of these abominable acts and foster a safer, more secure environment for all. The future of our children and the integrity of our land depend on it.”

Source: Ritual Killings, Human Parts Business Have Taken Over Igala Land – Okay Says

Alnother Nigeria newspaper, Gist Mania, reported the same news, with an identical text:

Former Kogi PDP Candidate Calls For Urgent Action Against Ritual Killings & Human Trafficking

Published: October 12, 2024
By: Mister Jay Wonder – Gist Mania, Nigeria

Austin Okai, a former candidate for the House of Representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, has called on law enforcement agencies and traditional leaders in Igala land to tackle the alarming rise in ritual killings and human trafficking in the region.

Speaking on Saturday, Okai highlighted the disturbing trend of ritual murders, citing recent reports of exhumed bodies and the brutal killing of women for their body parts. He expressed grave concerns for the safety and security of communities within Dekina Local Government Area, where these incidents are particularly prevalent.

In a statement he released, Okai described the emergence of a grisly trade in human parts as a horrifying reality in Kogi East. He noted that the notorious activities of individuals involved in internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo boys,” have escalated into something far more sinister.

“What was once considered a mere criminal enterprise has evolved into a serious threat to life and dignity, as these individuals are increasingly engaging in ritualistic practices to boost their illicit profits,” Okai said. He urged immediate action from all stakeholders, emphasizing that the government has the power to combat this crisis.

He called for law enforcement to investigate these heinous crimes, apprehend those responsible, and restore safety to the communities. Okai stressed that a robust security framework is essential for deterring criminal activities while fostering trust between law enforcement and the public.

However, he warned that government action alone is not enough. Parents and guardians must recognize the dangers of the allure of quick wealth, which he said is leading many young people into perilous lifestyles. “The romanticization of internet fraud and the pursuit of easy money can have dire consequences, devaluing human life,” he cautioned.

Okai also urged community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious institutions to unite against these practices. He emphasized the importance of condemning ritual killings and human trafficking, educating the public about their dangers, and providing support for victims and their families.

“The time for action is now,” Okai stated. “We cannot allow fear to silence us. It is our collective responsibility to protect our communities and uphold the sanctity of life. By working together—government, families, community leaders, and citizens—we can combat the rising tide of ritual killings and human trafficking in Igala land.”

Okai concluded by calling for a unified effort to reclaim communities from these atrocities and to create a safer environment for future generations. “The future of our children and the integrity of our land depend on it.”

Source: Former Kogi PDP Candidate Calls For Urgent Action Against Ritual Killings & Human Trafficking

‘Ritual killing by 16-year-old indicates moral and educational failures’ – Leo Igwe (Nigeria)

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

WARNING: The following post and articles contain graphic contents which may upset readers (webmaster FVDK)

The horrifying murder of a 4-year old by a 16-year old teenager in Lagos, Nigeria, has been in the news all over the African continent and elsewhere. I won’t dwell on it right now. Below I will provide a few links to articles covering the heartbreaking news.

Leo Igwe is a renown human activists who has denounced witchcraft practices and ritual related violence including murders on many occasions and I have on more than occasion drawn attention to his commendable activities. See my October 25, 2021 post.

For now I will stop. This case makes me too sad to continue. Since the crime is so repulsive I have decided not to publish the photo which accompanies the article below in its original publication and which has been included in many articles covering the same news. The following screenshot of a tweet captures the main story.

Below the reaction of Dr. Leo Igwe.
(webmaster FVDK)

Ritual Killing By 16-Year-Old Indicates Moral and Educational Failures – By Leo Igwe

Dr. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches warns the public to be vigilant at this time and to resist any temptation to indulge in money-making rituals, or to go in search of human body parts. It is a fact, as this case shows, that people attack and murder others for ritual purposes. It is a fact that people procure human body parts for rituals. It is a fact that people indulge in some money ritual sacrifice of human body parts. However, there is no evidence that these sacrifices yield money or wealth as popularly believed and often portrayed in movies such as Nollywood films or African magic.

Published: September 17, 2024
By: Leo Igwe – Opinion Nigeria

The attention of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches has been drawn to a horrifying case of ritual attack and murder in Lagos, Nigeria. This incident involves a 16-year-old teenager, Azeez Tajudeen, who lives in the Ijanikin area in Lagos. Tajudeen lured a 4-year-old child, named Ibrahim to a nearby primary school and murdered him. He stabbed and strangled the child to death. He removed the intestines, kidneys, and private organs. Tajudeen said that a man named Osho asked him to get him some human parts and promised to pay him fifty thousand naira(thirty dollars) for the service.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches is outraged over the gruesome killing of this child and other instances of ritual attacks and bloodletting in the country. AfAW is aware of another case of ritual murder of a girl by the supposed boyfriend in another part of the country. These cases of ritual attack and killing are a clear demonstration of moral and educational failures. Skeptically oriented Nigerians must rise to the challenge of reorienting the public and promoting reason and scientific thinking.

At a time when Nigeria is going through an unprecedented economic crisis that has led to multidimensional poverty, stress and distress, despair, hunger, and uncertainties, one expects an increase in cases of ritual attacks. Many people are vulnerable; they could easily be lured to engage in ritual sacrifice and to explore purported ritual means of making money. More people are likely to embrace ritual money-making narratives or consult ritualists for some help. Ritualists and other self-acclaimed occultists will tell seekers of ritual money to go in search of human body parts.

As in this case, those who cannot get the human parts would commission others to do so on their behalf. Some people are inclined to accept such assignments and undertake to attack and murder others in the quest to make some income.

Ritual money or wealth is fiction and has no basis in reason, science or reality. As this case has illustrated, there is an urgent need to reeducate and reorient children and youths in the country. Superstition is destroying the moral fiber of the society. And it is the responsibility of this generation of Nigerians and Africans to end ritual attacks and sacrifice. Young people are often the victims and the perpetrators because they are socialized to believe that ritual money is real. Unfortunately, it is not. At home and in schools, children and youths are taught and told about the ritual processes of achieving success. They are made to think that ritual wealth is a fact. Hence, some youths are motivated to indulge in vicious attacks and murder other human beings, including their parents and relatives. Nigerian authorities need to encourage critical thinking in schools and society. They should get students to question and examine ritual money narratives and associated superstitions. Nigeria needs to execute an intense public education and enlightenment campaign and get the public to abandon ritual money beliefs and embrace critical thinking and science-based means of making money and acquiring wealth.

Source: Ritual Killing By 16-Year-Old Indicates Moral and Educational Failures -By Leo Igwe

Ritual Killing By 16-Year-Old Indicates Moral and Educational Failures
By Leo Igwe – Modern Ghana; September 17, 2024

Tragedy in Lagos: 16-Year-Old Arrested for Harmful Incident Involving Neighbor
By: Medium, Nigeria; September 17, 2024

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

Nigeria: a surge in ritual killings worries Ondo State residents

Posted on June 21, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Yesterday’s post was about an editorial of a leading Nigerian newspaper, the Nigerian Tribune, calling for immediate government action to stop and eradicate all criminal activities related to ‘money rituals’ – as illegal and inhumane ritualistic practices for personal gains are referred to in Nigeria. Today more on the same topic, underscoring the editorial appeal for a more rigorous enforcement of the rule of law in Nigeria, with more than 225 million people Africa’s most populated country.

Before leaving this space and allowing you to read the Leadership article presented below on the surge in ritual killings in Ondo State, I wish to draw draw your attention to the fact that in my opinion the claim in the article that in the past Ondo State was spared the evil of ‘money business’ related ritualistic killings is incorrect – as is amply demonstrated by the numerous cases of ritual murders and related attempts in this southern Nigerian state which I reported on the present site.

Notwithstanding the foregoing I wish to express my sincere gratefulness to the author and staff of the online Leadership newspaper for paying attention to the social evil which constitute ‘money rituals’ and the importance of stopping and eradicating these criminal activities which have no place in the 21st century. Ritual killings must stop!
(FVDK)

A Surge In Ritual Killings Worries Ondo State Residents

Published: June 19, 2024
By: Tope Fayehun – Leadership, Nigeria

Reported cases of ritual killings have surged in Ondo State, a state that was previously not known for such gory acts. For months now, law enforcement agencies have arrested many suspects of ritual killings with gory pictures of human skulls, intestines and dismembered bodies. Most of the suspects are youths, including teenagers.

Last week, a 31-year-old suspect, Yusuf Adenoyin was arrested by the police with eight human skulls and fresh human flesh in the Isua-Akoko area of the state. Adenoyin said he ventured into the business to raise N2 million to pay for his sick mother’s treatment in the hospital.

He told journalists as he was paraded at the Police Command headquarters at Alagbaka, Akure, that he was into the palm oil business and cashew nuts, reselling them before he met the human skull buyer on social media.

Another 30-year-old, Timothy Olaniyi was arrested with fresh human parts in Ondo town by men of the State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun. Olaniyi, who claimed to be a trailer driver with a popular brewery company where he resigned in 2020, admitted that he was caught with a bag containing two severed human hands and two human legs at the Sabo area of the city.

He also confessed that he was promised N30 million after delivering the human parts in Lagos State. Weeks earlier, policemen in the state also arrested a self-acclaimed cleric identified as Tunde Olayiwola with a fresh human head.

A fruit seller, Dolapo Babalola, also narrated how he killed some of his victims, which include his intimate friend, and five persons including his cousin. Most of the residents who spoke with LEADERSHIP on the recent development, however, tasked the security agencies to be alive to their responsibility of securing lives and property.

A retired principal, Mr Akinola Adejobi, expressed fear about the upsurge in killing humans for ritual purposes in the state. According to him, “Human life is sacred and nobody is given the mandate from God to take another man’s life for ritual purposes. The rate at which the youth of today are looking for wealth is very alarming.

Security agencies, most especially the police should be aware of their responsibility to the security of our society. They should do everything in their power to stop the spread of this dastardly act.”

Reacting, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state police command, Fumilayo Odunlami , disclosed that the command is doing everything possible to ensure that the people of the state are protected.

Source: A Surge In Ritual Killings Worries Ondo Residents

Nigerian Tribune Editorial: “Stop the trade in human parts and related criminal activities, ‘money rituals’!”

Posted on June 20, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Below I present a cry for justice and an urgent appeal voiced by the Editorial Board of the Nigerian Tribune, a leading Nigerian newspaper, to stop the nefarious trade in human parts, related organ harvesting and inhumane criminal activities commonly referred to as ‘money rituals’ in Africa’s most populous country. The authors of the Editorial call for immediate government action to stop these heinous practices and to apprehend and punish the culprits.

Previous posts on the present site related to the widespread occurrence of ‘money rituals’ in Nigeria underscore the importance of this cry for justice and urgent appeal to the highest Nigerian authorities to take immediate action.
(FVDK).

That human skulls merchant

Published: June 19, 2024
By: Editorial – The Nigerian Tribune

IT seems that the criminals who trade in human flesh are intent on continuing their ruinous trade even in the face of social disapproval, and will never mend. That is why they must always be subjected to the wrath of the law. Hardly does a month go by without some story about ritual killing or related activities in the country. Just last week, one Yusuf Adinoyi, a suspected ritualist, was arrested with eight human skulls by security agents at Isua Akoko, in the Akoko South-East LGA of Ondo State. Adenoyin, 37, was arrested at one of the checkpoints between the Isua and Epinmi in a Nissan car en route Akure to Osogbo. He was in a vehicle with four other passengers when the personnel attached to the Police Safer Highway Patrol intercepted them on the road.

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo, confirmed the suspect’s arrest in a statement. According to him: “Upon interrogation, Adinoyi, 37, confessed to being the owner of the skulls and explained that he was delivering them to a herbalist named Opeifa in the Oke-Onitea area of Osogbo. He equally mentioned other customers he usually supplies human skulls to include one Almonso, who lives at Oke-Onitea, Osogbo, Alfaa Agba who lives at Oke Onitea, and also Oshoyemi who resides around the Oja Oba area. The suspect further confessed that the human skulls were usually handed over to him by one Imaila living at Oboroke in Okene, and that each head is sold for between N30,000 and N35,000.” The police chief added that the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) unit in Akure with his case file for further investigations.

It is a shame that some people not only violate the dead, other people’s treasured bodies and memories, but also kill people to harvest their organs for sale, treating them like cattle. In most cases, these dead bodies are used in demonic money-making rituals, but the absurdity of the trade and practice is underlined by the fact that to date, no one has come out to tell the Nigerian public that he is a ritualist, as the traders in human flesh are called. The government must deploy every asset at its disposal, including public enlightenment campaigns, against this pernicious trade which casts the country and its people in extremely bad light. This nonsense must stop. As we have said it many times, no ritualist is on Forbes’ list of billionaires. The wealthiest people in this world have legitimate businesses; they saw a need, keyed into it, and provided services to meet that need, reaping bountiful rewards from their investment in social research. The idea that dead human flesh could somehow conjure certain spirits that will bring wealth to those subscribed to such dark practices is not only absurd but patently illogical. Are the spirits alleged to be behind such practices supposed to replace government mints, printing money from their mystical spaces and modelling them after the national currency, or do they steal other people’s money from the vault of banks, perhaps even the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), then bring such monies to those who have summoned them? Even if such a practice was real, which is vehemently denied, how does it square with the ancient, timeless wisdom that hard work—legitimate, socially sanctioned labour— is the route to wealth?

It is no coincidence that the apprehended ritualists easily show themselves to be extremely selfish, nihilistic and narcissistic. For instance, the suspect in the current story was reported to have claimed that he sold skulls in order to cater to his mother’s health. But this is a lame excuse if it even qualifies as one. Just how do you divest other people of their body parts in order to make your own mother keep hers in good shape? If every Nigerian whose mother took ill decided on his own course of action, how would the society look? Was engaging in crime the only route to addressing his mother’s health challenge? How about engaging in honest, decent labour? And now that he is in the clutches of the law, how will he ensure his mother’s wellbeing?

Yusuf’s arrest confirms, yet again, the prevalence of ritualistic engagements across the country as the platform for wealth enhancement as if killing people had ever resulted in real riches. The society has a lot of work to do to dissuade people from this unfortunate and ridiculous mindset that could only have resulted from the perversions attributable to poverty in the land. Wealth, we reiterate, ordinarily comes from productive engagements, hardwork and commitment and not the infantile engagement with occult manipulations. Given that this unfortunate engagement with rituals often comes with the sadistic killing of other human beings, there is a crucial need to strengthen the capacity of the government to apprehend those involved for necessary and appropriate punishment. In the present instance, that would include conducting thorough investigations to expose all those associated with Adinoyi in the nefarious business and ensuring that they are all adequately punished in accordance with the laws of the land.

Source: That human skulls merchant

Also read: A Surge In Ritual Killings Worries Ondo Residents

Nigeria: 166 ritual and cult related killings in the South West in 2023

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

Nigeria has an immense security problem. Boko Haram and other terrorists, armed criminal groups, bandits, kidnappers, communal clashes, political killings and – last but not least – ritual and cult-related murders terrorize the population of this West African country.

When President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29 last year he promised to end or reduce the insecurity in Africa’s most populated country (an estimated 225 million people in 2023). One year later we have a quick look at some data. The result is frightening.

On this site I focus on murders for ritual purposes, therefor I will skip the other atrocities here (though mentioned in the article below). In 2023 there were reportedly 166 people murdered in ritual and cult-related killings in the South West. Presumably the author of the article, Jeph Ajobaju, refers here to the South West geopolitical zone.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones.

The South West geopolitical zone consists of of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States (6 out of Nigeria’s 36 states) with an estimated combined population of about 50 million people (2023).

Based on Ajobaju’s information that in the South West in 2023 166 persons died as a result of ritual and cult related killings, I estimate that in Nigeria at least one person a day dies as a result of ‘money rituals’, murder for ritual purposes. And this is a conservative estimate.
(FVDK)

Insecurity rubbishes Tinubu’s inaugural speech to spew mass atrocities

Bola Tinubu, president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (May 29, 2023 – present)

Published: June 3, 2024
By: Jeph Ajobaju – The Niche, Nigeria

Bola Tinubu marked one year in office on May 29 as President against the backdrop of major concerns over insecurity he promised to end or reduce during the hustings last year.

Historical data plus new reports of abductions, kidnappings, and attacks show terrorists’ invasions persist despite more money being poured into security architecture.

Abuja in 2020 deployed technology to track and close the bank accounts of peaceful EndSars protesters who did not commit a fraction of the atrocities terrorists have inflicted on citizens, but it fails to also use the same apparatus to track and prosecute kidnappers.

Tinubu promised in his inaugural speech that “security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.”

However, data from various tracking institutions shows an upsurge in mass killings by criminals as well as other forms of criminal conduct.

All demographics – old, young rich, and poor – live in fear of non-state actors who perpetrate violence on a large scale.

Fatalities

Daily Post writes that verified media reports and confirmation from security agencies show up to 500 people and counting have been kidnapped in mass abductions in the North so far in 2024.

February 2024

Up to 200 women and children were kidnapped from an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Gamboru Ngala in Borno.

March 2024

287 schoolchildren were snatched by bandits in Chikun in Kaduna.

Some 15 children were taken from a Tsangaya school in Sokoto.

61 people were kidnapped by gunmen in Kajuru in Kaduna.

November 2023

Coordinated attacks by armed groups saw the kidnapping of 150 people from four villages in Zamfara.

December 2023

At least 190 people were killed and over 300 injured between 23 and 25 December in attacks on at least 20 communities in remote parts of Plateau.

North West

Armed Conflict Location & Events Data (ACLED) also found between 2019 and 2023, the North West witnessed 662 kidnapping-related incidents.

South East

The South East recorded 533 insecurity-related incidents in 2023, according to ACLED, with over 224 people killed by gunmen between January and May 2023.

South West

Media reports show 166 people were murdered in ritual and cult-related killings in the South West

Global Rights through its on-site tracking, recorded more than 6,945 mass atrocities across the country in the first 11 months of Tinubu’s tenure.

May 2023-April 2024

Between 29 May 2023 and 23 April 2024, Global Rights found 3,707 killings and 3,238 abductions.

A minimum 4,416 innocent civilians were killed along with 262 security personnel.

Zamfara led the numbers – mainly abductions – at 636 in 2023, followed by Plateau with 627 killings.

Figures compiled by Global Rights

A recent report by Global Rights said in 2023 alone

1,781 people were killed by bandits
637 by ISWAP or Boko Haram
524 died in communal clashes

475 died in herdsmen attacks
118 were murdered through political killings

Figures collated by Nigeria Mourns

2,423 killings between 29 May 2023 and 26 January 2024
1,872 abductions in the same period

‘‘Global Right’s data is what we call the minimum. If you look at the various data from SBM Intelligence, from Data 5, from Nestia, and others, you will see similarities,” explained Global Rights Programme Manager Edosa Oviawe,

“It just shows that even though we are all doing it independently, we are reporting the same issues. We have backup documents for all of these.

“We are not just putting out numbers, we have the locations, we have the names of victims.”

Oviawe warned the efforts of the government may never be appreciated until it tackles insecurity.

“Doing other things, the economy and the rest are good, but security is paramount.

”If the people are dying and are being killed, every other thing you are doing makes no sense for Nigerians.

“If a man cannot live in safety, if he doesn’t have that assurance that as he steps out of his house, he is not going to become one of the numbers we are counting, then every other thing you are putting together as a government makes no meaning.’’

Souce: Insecurity rubbishes Tinubu’s inaugural speech to spew mass atrocities

Nigeria: Police burst organ harvesting syndicate in Rivers State

Posted on June 3, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

The criminal nature of ritualistic killings goes without saying. Ritual killings are a crime and ritual killers are liable to prosecution. People who kill other people for ritual purposes usually do it for specific reasons related to their personal situation: to gain (more) power, prestige or wealth. The ‘engine’ of their criminal behavior is a combination of greed and superstition.

However, there are also criminals who use this combination of greed and superstition of other people as an income-generating model. They specialize in murdering innocent people for the sole purpose of harvesting their organs which then are sold for ritual purposes. A gruesome crime.

This what happened in Rivers state. The police in Rivers State, a state in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria, tracked a criminal syndicate that has been specializing in murdering e-hailing cab-drivers and harvesting their organs which were subsequently sold to unscrupulous individuals who wanted these organs and body parts for ritual purposes (‘money rituals’).

Unfortunately, the phenomenon of ‘money rituals’ is widespread in Africa’s most populated country, Nigeria. This is also the reason why the Federal Government recently imposed a ban on ritual killings in Nollywood movies in an attempt to curb the popularity of this phenomenon which is basically a crime based on superstition.

Rivers State, also known as Rivers, is located in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones.

Rivers State is Nigeria’s 8th most populous state with an estimated population of over 7 million (2024). About half the population lives in Port Harcourt, the fast growing state capital and centre of the booming oil industry. Rivers is characterized by its many ethnic groups and its linguistic diversity . With a surface area of 11,077 km2 it ranks 26th (out of 36) on the list of Nigerian states by area.

Police Burst Organ Harvesting Syndicate In Rivers, Trail Fleeing Members

Published: June 2, 2024
By: Itode Akari – Independent, Nigerią

PORT HARCOURT – The Police in Rivers State have arrested a member criminal syndicate, that specialises in murdering e-hailing cab drivers and harvesting their organs for ritual purposes in the state.

The arrested suspect, a 35-year-old graduate of political science from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, identified as Anthony Chima, confessed to have recently lured an innocent cab driver into his gang’s ambush, where the driver was waylaid before he was murdered in cold blood by the gang.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko on Sunday, stated that the suspect was arrested following an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of one e-hailing cab driver on January 10, 2024, identified as Oghenevwarhe Barry Akpobome.

According to the police, a member of the syndicate confessed to have posed as a passenger to lure the unsuspecting driver to a remote area in Aminigboko community, Abia/Odual Local Government Area of the state, where other armed gang members laid an ambush and pounced on the driver, bound him both arms and legs, gagging his mouth and eventually killing him for the purpose of harvesting his organs.

The statement reads, “In a shocking turn of events, the Rivers State Police have uncovered a disturbing criminal enterprise that has been targeting Uber drivers in the region. The investigation was sparked by the disappearance of one such driver, Oghenevwarhe Barry Akpobome, leading to the arrest and confession of 35-year-old Anthony Chima, a political science graduate from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.

“According to Chima’s testimony, he was recruited into a gang that specialized in luring cab drivers into ambushes, stealing their vehicles, and ultimately murdering them for ritualistic purposes and organ harvesting.

“Chima revealed that he was brought into the fold by a friend, Amfoh Abu, who introduced him to the gang’s armourer, a man known as “Reason,” and the notorious ringleader, “General Effizy,” a prominent figure in the Greenland cult and a seasoned kidnapper.

“The chilling details of Akpobome’s demise emerged as Chima recounted the events of January 10, 2024. On that fateful day, he was summoned to Reason’s residence and instructed to call a driver whose number he had previously collected. Posing as a passenger, Chima then lured the unsuspecting Uber driver to a remote area in Aminigboko, where he and Reason were met by General Effizy and four armed gang members.

“The driver was forcibly removed from the vehicle and taken to Effizy’s shrine, where he was bound, gagged, and ultimately murdered. Chima’s involvement in the gruesome act was confirmed when the police, following his confession, recovered the victim’s skull and a locally fabricated Beretta pistol from Effizy’s residence.”

Iringe-Koko quoted the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu to have advised citizens of the state and drivers to be circumspect while boarding passengers to remote areas in the state.

She noted that while the police continues to trail fleeing members of the syndicate, emphasising that the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows, and the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the public in maintaining the safety of all citizens.

“This disturbing revelation has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Cp Tunji Disu, to advise both citizens and Uber drivers. He urged them to exercise caution when boarding or transporting passengers, especially to remote or potentially dangerous areas.

“The investigation is ongoing, with the authorities still searching for the fleeing suspects involved in this chilling criminal enterprise. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows, and the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the public in maintaining the safety of all citizens. Meanwhile, the suspect would be charged to court immediately.”

Source: Police Burst Organ Harvesting Syndicate In Rivers, Trail Fleeing Members

More:

Police arrest gang known for killing cab drivers, harvesting body parts for rituals

The arrest of one gang member exposed the sinister activities of the gang in the state.

Published: June 4, 2024
By: News Agency of Nigeria – Pulse, Nigeria

And:

Police nab Rivers’ syndicate targeting ride-hailing drivers for ritual purposes

“The driver was forcefully removed from the vehicle and taken to Effizy’s shrine, where he was tied up, gagged and gruesomely murdered.”

Published: June 4, 2024
By: News Agency of Nigeria – Peoples Gazette, Nigeria

And:

Police Uncover Gang Targeting, Killing Car-Hire Drivers In Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested some members of a criminal gang suspected to be murdering car-hire drivers and stealing their vehicles.

Published: June 5, 2024
By: Daily Trust, Nigeria

Nigeria: FG ban on smoking, ritual killings scenes in Nollywood movies revisited: Filmmaker supports ban

Posted on June 1, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

I thought it interesting and useful to add another post on the federal government’s ban om smoking and ritual killing in Nollywood movies.

Filmmaker and co-founder of Yabatech Film Academy, Abay Esho, publicly supported the ban emphasizing that “Nollywood is a major contributor to the epidemic ‘money ritual’ in present Nigeria.“

Need I say more?
(FVDK)

Filmmaker Supports Ban On Smoking, Ritual Killing Scenes

Published: June 1, 2024
By: Samuel Abulude – Leadership, Nigeria

Filmmaker and co-founder of Yabatech Film Academy, Abay Esho, has offered his opinion in support of the federal government’s recent ban on smoking, ritual killing and glamourisation of crime in Nigerian films.

Esho who believes the media to be an important tool for social engineering of any society, said a society cannot separated from whatever it’s been fed over a long period of time.

Nollywood, he said ought to drive change by deliberately producing movies that set agenda, change behaviour and its viewers perception and way of thinking.

The director’s statement is in response to the chief executive officer (CEO) of National Film and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB), Shuaibu Husseini, announcement of federal government’s approval of a ban on glamourisation in Nollywood films, last week, at the National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-free Nollywood in Enugu.

The ban, has triggered mixed reactions amongst Nigerian movie stakeholders who were vocal about their stance.

Esho whose views aligns with Husseini’s on ‘money ritual’ factor in Nollywood films, stressed that Nollywood is a major contributor to the epidemic ‘money ritual’ in present Nigeria, but the distrust of Nigerians in Africa owing to “what we portray in our films, especially the ones with money ritual theme.”

He, however, expressed reservations with the NFVCB’s CEO on banning of smoking in movies noting it’s be near impossible to do so. “It will be difficult to place a ban on smoking because if the story has a smoking character, how else do you expect (filmmakers) to portray that?”

Source: Filmmaker Supports Ban On Smoking, Ritual Killing Scenes

Nigeria: again on the ban on money ritual and other vices in Nollywood movies

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

On May 25, I posted the news that the Nigerian federal government had announced a ban on money ritual, ritual killing and other vices in Nollywood movies. This morning I read a very interesting editorial comment on this decision in a Nigerian newspaper which I like sharing with you. The editorial provides us with more insight in the background of the federal government’s ban, in particular I cite:

“Nigerian movies have generally tended to present false narratives, (….). They have glamorized voodoo, conveying the impression that it is the only source of wealth, and thus misleading the country’s army of impressionable, often jobless youths who have, by their own admission, not only learnt bad habits from the movies but put them into practice, sometimes landing in the clutches of the law and lamenting their poor choices. “

Moreover, the Tribune Editorial places the ban in a historic perspective and appeals to film makers to take their responsibility in a modernizing society such as Nigeria’s. It concludes:

“(…) movie culture should be dynamic. (…) the content of Nigerian films should be in tandem with the paradigm shift in the society. The idea, however, is not just about issuing a ban, but more about the state of enlightenment and development of those involved in the industry.
Their production naturally would not just portray their creative predilections, but also their level of consciousness, which makes it important to raise the consciousness of movie producers and practitioners, such that they would key into the idea of using their films to portray the limitations of rituals and not seek to glamorize them. Indeed, with the right kind of consciousness, films and movies are some of the best ways to help change society and correct anomalies. (…)”

Well said!
(FVDK)

The ban on money ritual, other vices in movies

Published: May 31, 2024
By: Tribune Editorial Board

WORRIED by the accustomed negative trends in Nigerian movies, the Federal Government recently placed a ban on the promotion of money rituals and vices in Nigerian films.

Disclosing this during a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu, Enugu State, an event organised by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), the Executive Director/CEO of the NFVCB, Dr Shaibu Husseini, said that the country was currently confronted with an industry emergency requiring bold and ambitious actions from all parents, guardians and stakeholders.

He said: “I am delighted to announce to you that the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, pursuant to Section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004, has approved the regulation. The minister has approved the Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion and Glamorization Display in Movies, Musical Videos and Skits Regulations 2024. We have also forwarded the approved copy to the Federal Ministry of Justice for Gazette.”

According to him, besides the health implications, glamorizing smoking in films has a negative influence on teens and young adults, the largest segment of Nigerian movie viewers. His words: “The film industry occupies a central position in the entertainment and creative sector, and it is imperative that we continue to place the highest premium on the progress of the film industry. The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and supports smoke-free Nollywood, and we therefore seek your collaboration to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages. After series of engagements, the NFVCB in collaboration with the CAPPA decided to do a subsidiary regulation to address smoking in movies since this aspect was not expressly spelt out in the extant law. The NFVCB is well prepared to take leadership in this regard and has planned and begun implementing innovative ways to achieve its mandate.”

For decades, while there have admittedly been some positives in terms of the exponential growth of the movie industry and the expansion of the audience and income base, together with growth in terms of the technical aspects of movie making, including the use of special effects, Nigerian movies have generally tended to present false narratives, shirked the social responsibility of advocating societal change, and assisted the feckless political establishment in confining the vast majority of Nigerians to the morass of poverty, despondency and despair.

They have glamorized voodoo, conveying the impression that it is the only source of wealth, and thus misleading the country’s army of impressionable, often jobless youths who have, by their own admission, not only learnt bad habits from the movies but put them into practice, sometimes landing in the clutches of the law and lamenting their poor choices.

It is a fact that even at this very moment, most Nigerian movies continue to portray Nigerians as a people very badly; that is, as avid subscribers to dark and demonic practices, fraud, prostitution and drug abuse, to mention but a few. They show a society still living in the stone age, which is why the late erudite scholar, Professor Ayo Banjo, once panned them for consistently portraying a bygone age and for being pernicious in their messages. In most cases, the movies portray Nigerians as a people still stuck in superstition, whereas culture is dynamic and any aspect of it that is repugnant should be discarded. Nigerian movies, if they are to assist in the development and modernisation effort, ought to project positive images and ideas. They ought to enable and give a fillip to science and technology.

Nothing in life is static: movie culture should be dynamic. There was a time twin babies had to be killed in many communities in this country, but magnifying such today is evidently anachronistic. Sticking to the osu caste system, the suppression of widows and genital mutilation is barbaric: the content of Nigerian films should be in tandem with the paradigm shift in the society. The idea, however, is not just about issuing a ban, but more about the state of enlightenment and development of those involved in the industry. Their production naturally would not just portray their creative predilections, but also their level of consciousness, which makes it important to raise the consciousness of movie producers and practitioners, such that they would key into the idea of using their films to portray the limitations of rituals and not seek to glamorize them. Indeed, with the right kind of consciousness, films and movies are some of the best ways to help change society and correct anomalies. The idea should be to conscientize movie practitioners about the need to observe the limits and negatives of rituals and use their craft to help dissuade society from them. The government should take up this advocacy in earnest.

Source: The ban on money ritual, other vices in movies

Ritual Killing In Africa

Human Rights, Rule of Law, and Superstition in Africa

Category Archives: Nigeria