Rights Group Reports Mob Attack in Agbor, Delta Over ‘Spiritual’ Accusation
AGBOR, DELTA STATE — The Advocacy for Alleged Witches has reported that a man in Agbor, Delta State, was accused of “spiritually” killing someone and subsequently attacked by youths, with his house destroyed, after a native doctor declared him guilty.
Activist Bamidele Helen Onwuka, writing on her official Facebook handle, said the incident occurred in Aliren Quarter, Alisimie community, Agbor.
According to the post, Augustine Uwagwu was accused of “kpaing” someone “spiritually.” Onwuka stated there was “no evidence. No investigation. Just accusation.”
Uwagwu was allegedly “dragged to the palace and allegedly taken to a shrine in Owa Alero to ‘prove’ his innocence.” The post says a native doctor there declared him guilty, after which “youths invaded and destroyed his house.”
“Let’s be clear, this is not culture. This is SUPERSTITION and lawlessness,” Onwuka wrote. “A man was judged outside the law, condemned without proof, and punished by a mob. That is a crime.”
She added: “It is embarrassing that in this day and age, people are still being accused of ‘spiritual assassination’ and treated like this. Even worse, the so-called elites kept quiet. And law enforcement? Where were they?”
Onwuka confirmed that “The ADVOCACY for ALLEGED WITCHES is already on this matter” and that “those responsible must be held accountable. The law must take its course.”
Recall that the Director Advocacy for Alleged Witches AFAW, Dr. Leo Igwe earlier raised alarm prompting his team in Delta State to swiftly intervene.
Trial by ordeal and mob action are prohibited under Nigerian law. The 1999 Constitution provides for presumption of innocence and fair hearing, while the Criminal Code and Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, criminalize assault, malicious damage, and harmful traditional practices.
The Delta State Police Command had not issued a public statement on the incident as of press time. The status of Augustine Uwagwu and whether arrests have been made remain unclear.
Advocacy for Alleged Witches, led by Dr. Leo Igwe, has documented similar cases across Nigeria involving accusations of witchcraft or “spiritual harm” leading to banishment, assault, or property destruction.