Police in Ebonyi State have arrested 17 individuals in connection with the murder of Uromchi Okorocha, a man accused of practicing witchcraft in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo Local Government Area.
The Nigeria Police Force disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, revealing that the suspects allegedly took the law into their own hands by apprehending and killing Okorocha before setting his body on fire.
Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi explained that the arrests were made on January 3 after the mob acted on accusations that Okorocha was responsible for several deaths through alleged spiritual means.
“On January 3, 2025, police operatives attached to the Ebonyi State Command arrested 17 suspects in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo LGA for the murder of one Uromchi Okorocha ‘m’, who was accused by local youths of being involved in the killing of several individuals through alleged witchcraft and spiritual means,” Adejobi stated.
“The suspects had mobilised and apprehended the deceased, but instead of handing him over to legal authorities and committing to the rule of law, they decided to take laws into their own hands, becoming judge, jury and executioner.”
Adejobi added that police operatives from the Uwanna Division were dispatched to rescue Okorocha, but the mob had already killed and burned him before law enforcement arrived.
In a separate incident, police in Imo State rescued four kidnapping victims and neutralized two suspected kidnappers following a gunfight in the Ohaji Local Government Area. The operation was carried out on Saturday after officers received intelligence on the kidnappers’ hideout.
“The operation was carried out on Saturday, January 4, 2025, after the operatives received a distress call reporting the abduction of four persons in Umuokanne, Ohaji LGA, Imo State,” Adejobi said.
“The police operatives swiftly swung into action, locating the criminal hideout and engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, during which two of the kidnappers were neutralised. The success of the operation led to the rescue of the four victims and the recovery of 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 AK-47 magazine, and 21 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition.”
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun strongly condemned the act of jungle justice in Ebonyi, reiterating the police force’s commitment to justice and public safety.
“The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, condemns this act of jungle justice in totality. Citizens are once again urged to refrain from taking laws into their own hands and report any suspected criminal activities to the nearest police division or formation around them for necessary action,” Adejobi noted.
He emphasized the importance of community collaboration with security agencies, adding, “The IGP once again reiterates the unwavering commitment of the Force to public safety and justice for victims of violent crimes. Citizens are encouraged to engage with security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ultimate goal of creating a utopian society for all.”