A native doctor named Enuwa Odugu, aged 48, has been apprehended in connection with the conspiracy and murder of 26-year-old Chikwado Celestine Eze. Additionally, Chikwado’s father, 67-year-old Uwakwe Eze, has also been taken into custody. Reports indicate that Chikwado died at the native doctor’s shrine while undergoing a charm fortification process. His father had taken him to the shrine with the hope of ensuring a successful overseas trip, following Chikwado’s acquisition of a visa.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the incident, with Public Relations Officer DSP Daniel Ndukwe detailing that the tragedy unfolded during a ritual intended to empower Chikwado. Unfortunately, during the process, he was placed in a coffin and subsequently lost his life. Despite being rushed to a hospital, medical personnel confirmed his death, and his remains have been moved to a mortuary for preservation and an autopsy.
Ndukwe revealed that the native doctor has confessed to the crime, attributing Chikwado’s death to his failure to adhere to specific ritualistic guidelines that had been prescribed. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and the suspects are expected to face court proceedings once the inquiries are complete.
In a separate incident, the police have arrested 24-year-old Okoro Chukwuebuka Kingsley and 18-year-old Ogbonna Samuel Chiedozie for the alleged murder of 52-year-old Mrs. Patience Nkem Charles. This crime was reportedly fueled by a personal grievance stemming from Kingsley’s previous employment as her security guard in 2021. According to Ndukwe, the suspects confessed to strangling Mrs. Charles in her home, leading to their capture through police intelligence. They have been arraigned in court and are currently held at the Nigerian Correctional Custodial Centre. These incidents highlight ongoing issues related to personal conflicts and harmful traditional practices, with police actively pursuing justice for the victims.