Okeite’ money ritual claims four lives in Igbo land, as Nigerian police arrest suspect

November 28, 2024

By Adedoja Adesoji

A gruesome incident has shaken Amaeze community in Nsukka town, Enugu State, after a young man allegedly murdered his mother, grandmother, sister, and nephew through food poisoning.

The suspect, who was arrested by the Enugu State Police Command, claimed he was driven by a desire for wealth through “Okeite,” a money ritual.

According to a statement by the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), “This young man did not act alone. Some people lured him into committing this atrocity.

“The police should arrest and investigate the so-called native doctor and all who were implicated in this crime.”

The suspect, who confessed to the crime, was paraded by a local mob and forced to visit his mother’s grave to ask for forgiveness. A 9-year-old child, who also ate the poisoned food, survived.

AfAW Director, Dr. Leo Igwe, condemned the incident, stating, “The Okeite money ritual is a scam. Mischievous individuals use this scheme to extort money from gullible youths and others who want to get rich or succeed in business.”

Igwe emphasized, “Human or ritual sacrifice cannot make anybody rich or successful as popularly believed. As this case shows, the belief predisposes ritual money seekers to exploitation. The belief motivates them to commit atrocities.”

The Enugu State Police Command has promised to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.