A native doctor has been arrested following the death of a man during a fortification ritual inside a coffin. The incident raises concerns over traditional practices, as investigations continue into the cause of death.
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a native doctor named Enuwa Odugu, along with Uwakwe Eze, in connection with the alleged conspiracy and death of Chikwado Eze, who is reported to be Uwakwe’s son.
According to a statement from police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe, Chikwado died after his father brought him to Odugu’s shrine for a ritual intended to offer spiritual protection.
The ritual was said to involve placing the young man in a coffin as part of its procedure. Unfortunately, Chikwado died during this process. Although he was quickly taken to the hospital, medical staff confirmed his death upon arrival. His body has been placed in a mortuary awaiting an autopsy.
The police disclosed that the native doctor admitted to conducting the ritual, acknowledging he had performed similar ceremonies before. He attributed Chikwado’s death to a failure in adhering to specific instructions provided beforehand for the ritual.
The police command stated that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will likely be charged in court once the inquiry is concluded.
In another incident, the Enugu State Police Command announced the arrest of two individuals: 24-year-old Okoro C. Kingsley and 18-year-old Ogbonna Chiedozi, who are allegedly accused of conspiring to murder 52-year-old Mrs. Patience Charles.
Police revealed that Kingsley, who worked as Mrs. Charles’ security guard in 2021, harbored a personal grudge against her. Both suspects reportedly admitted to strangling her in her home.
Their arrests resulted from intelligence operations, and they have subsequently been arraigned in court and held at the Nigerian Correctional Custodial Centre.
