Seventeen individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder of Uromchi Okorocha, who was allegedly accused of practicing witchcraft in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to reports, local youths claimed that Okorocha was responsible for the deaths of several people through witchcraft. The police announced on January 5, 2025, that the suspects apprehended Okorocha, then proceeded to burn him alive before authorities could intervene.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the suspects acted in defiance of the law, taking matters into their own hands rather than involving legal authorities.
On January 3, 2025, police from the Ebonyi State Command arrested the 17 suspects in Enohia Itim village for the murder of Okorocha, who had been accused of using witchcraft and spiritual means to cause deaths. Despite the police’s efforts to reach the scene, the mob had already killed and set Okorocha on fire.
In his statement, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, strongly condemned this act of jungle justice and urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. He emphasized the importance of reporting suspected criminal activity to the appropriate authorities for due legal process.
The IGP reassured the public of the police’s commitment to holding those responsible for such violent crimes accountable and ensuring public safety. He also encouraged citizens to collaborate with security agencies to help create a safer society for all.
