The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a native doctor and a father following the death of a young man during a failed fortification ritual. The tragic incident has drawn significant attention and raised concerns about harmful traditional practices in the state.
In a statement released to journalists on Tuesday night, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Enugu State Command, shared details of the case. According to the police, 67-year-old Uwakwe Eze brought his 26-year-old son, Chikwado Celestine Eze, to the shrine of a native doctor, Enuwa Odugu, aged 48, for a fortification ritual intended to protect the young man using charms. However, the ritual went horribly wrong, resulting in Chikwado’s death.
Describing the sequence of events, DSP Ndukwe explained, “The incident is alleged to have occurred when Uwakwe Eze took his son to the native doctor’s shrine for rituals intended to fortify him with charms. However, during the ritual, the deceased was buried in a coffin, but he unfortunately died in the process.”
After the failed ritual, Chikwado was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed his death. His body has since been moved to a mortuary for preservation and an autopsy. The police immediately arrested both the native doctor and Chikwado’s father, launching an investigation into the incident. The native doctor confessed to having performed similar rituals in the past, claiming that Chikwado’s death resulted from his failure to follow specific ritual instructions.
“The native doctor confessed to the crime and the previous performance of such rituals, attributing the death of the victim to his non-adherence to certain ritualistic rules he earlier prescribed for him,” Ndukwe added.
The case has stirred reactions among residents, raising concerns about the practice of harmful traditional rituals. The police have assured the public that they are thoroughly investigating the matter and will ensure that justice is served.
“The case is under investigation, and the suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded,” the police spokesperson confirmed.
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In addition to this case, DSP Ndukwe also revealed another incident involving the murder of a 52-year-old woman, Mrs. Patience Nkem Charles. The police arrested 24-year-old Okoro Chukwuebuka Kingsley and 18-year-old Ogbonna Samuel Chiedozie for their involvement in the crime. Kingsley, who had worked as a security guard for the victim in 2021, reportedly held a grudge against her, which led to the fatal attack.
According to Ndukwe, “The suspects confessed to strangling the victim in her home, leading to their arrest through police intelligence. They have already been arraigned in court and remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Custodial Centre.”
The Enugu State Police Command emphasized the gravity of both cases, noting that they reflect serious criminal activities tied to personal grievances and dangerous traditional practices. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to addressing these issues through diligent investigation and prosecution.