• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

The group made the appeal following the arrest of Nwalozie Chiwendu, who allegedly murdered his brother, Chidiebere Isaiah, in Ofeh community in Omuma on February 12, 2026. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has urged the police to ensure that the investigation and prosecution of a suspect accused of killing his brother over witchcraft allegations in Rivers State are not compromised. The group made the appeal following the arrest of Nwalozie Chiwendu, who allegedly murdered his brother, Chidiebere Isaiah, in Ofeh community in Omuma on February 12, 2026. According to the advocacy group, the suspect fled the community after the incident but was later arrested by police on February 25 in Owerrenta. In a statement made available to SaharaReporters on Sunday, by its director, Leo Igwe, AfAW commended the police for tracking down the suspect but warned that the case must not be compromised. "The arrest of Chiwendu sends a clear message that there are real consequences for jungle justice and those who take laws into their hands," Igwe said. AfAW said witchcraft-related violence remains common in parts of Nigeria largely because perpetrators often escape punishment. "Witch persecution and murder persist in Nigeria due to impunity and because perpetrators are seldom brought to book," Igwe said. Family sources told the group that the suspect had accused his brother of being responsible for his lack of progress in life. According to the report, Chiwendu, who allegedly dropped out of primary school, became jealous when the victim started moulding blocks to build a new apartment. The suspect reportedly claimed that his brother had placed a "spiritual baby" in his house which cried at night and disturbed his sleep. The accusations allegedly escalated into violence when Chiwendu attacked his brother with a machete. "On that fateful day, Chiwendu attacked and macheted his brother, resulting in serious injuries," the statement said. "Chidi later passed away." Following the suspect's arrest, police officers reportedly visited the family in Ofeh community to gather information about the incident. However, AfAW said tensions remain in the community, adding that the suspect's house had been destroyed after the incident. "While in the community, advocates noticed that Chiwendu's apartment had been demolished and set ablaze," the statement said. The group also revealed that its representatives visited the area and provided support to the widow and children of the deceased. AfAW further expressed concern that although accusing someone of witchcraft is against the law in Nigeria and murder is a capital offence, enforcement of these laws remains weak. "In many cases people who accuse and then murder alleged witches get away with their crimes," Igwe said. He also alleged that corruption sometimes undermines investigations. "Even when police arrest suspects, the investigation process is sometimes compromised and suspects are released after collecting huge sums for bail," he added. The advocacy group said it would continue to monitor the case closely. "Victims of witch persecution in Rivers State need justice," Igwe said. "Witch-hunting must stop." Source: https://saharareporters.com/2026/03/08/group-calls-justice-after-rivers-man-allegedly-kills-brother-over-witchcraft-claims