The case of Joseph Ottih, 70, and his family in Imo State exposes a troubling intersection of witchcraft allegations, police abuse, and traditional beliefs.

Joseph’s family sought remedies for his son’s health issues, consulting multiple native doctors and churches, paying sums ranging from 50,000 to 950,000 naira for rituals, prayers, and a traditional ritual called Agwu. A returning relative, Hilary Onyema Ottih from the U.S., insisted the Agwu be removed, fearing negative effects on the family.

When the Ottihs resisted, Hilary mobilized local vigilantes and police officers from the Tigerbase unit, led by an officer known as Chikadibia Okebala (“Kill and Bury”). The officers forcefully entered the Ottih compound, assaulted family members, and confiscated the Agwu. Subsequently, Hilary and other relatives reportedly attacked Joseph’s family, destroying property and threatening violence.

Joseph’s wife, Oby, was later detained by the Tigerbase police and only released after a 150,000 naira payment.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) questioned the legal basis for police intervention, noting that witchcraft accusations are illegal, the law does not recognize traditional charms or rituals like Agwu, and the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief. The AfAW criticized the police for acting on fear and tradition rather than law, suggesting officers were enforcing superstition over legal rights.

AfAW emphasized that the Ottih family should not face prosecution, as allegations lack merit. The group plans to provide legal representation and defend the family if the matter goes to court, calling for an end to witch hunts and police complicity in superstition-based persecution.

Leo Igwe, director of AfAW, advocates for ending witch hunts in Africa by 2030 and stresses the need for police training to respect law and religious freedom over traditional or religious bias.