Enugu police arrest native doctor, father over death of 26-year-old during ritual

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a native doctor, Enuwa Odugu, and his accomplice, Uwakwe Eze, for the alleged conspiracy and murder of 26-year-old Chikwado Eze.

Last week, social media was awash with reports of Chikwado’s tragic death. The young man, who had recently received a visa to travel abroad, reportedly sought fortification at the native doctor’s shrine before his journey. It was revealed that his father, Uwakwe Eze, had taken him to the native doctor for the ritual.

According to the police, the deceased was buried in a coffin during the ritual but died in the process. The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Daniel Ndukwe, stated that Chikwado was rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor. His body has since been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and an autopsy.

Ndukwe said, “The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a native doctor, Enuwa Odugu, 48, and Uwakwe Eze, 67, for the conspiracy and murder of Eze’s 26-year-old son, Chikwado Celestine Eze.

He added that the native doctor confessed to the crime, admitting to conducting similar rituals in the past. He blamed Chikwado’s death on the victim’s failure to adhere to specific ritualistic rules.

The case is under investigation, and the suspects will be charged in court once investigations are concluded.

In a separate incident, the police also arrested Okoro Chukwuebuka Kingsley and Ogbonna Samuel Chiedozie for the alleged murder of 52-year-old Mrs Patience Nkem Charles.

The crime was reportedly motivated by a grudge Kingsley held against the victim, having worked as her security guard in 2021. Ndukwe explained that the suspects confessed to strangling Mrs Charles in her home, leading to their arrest through police intelligence.

“They have already been arraigned in court and remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Custodial Centre. The cases highlight serious criminal activities stemming from personal grievances and harmful traditional practices. The police are actively investigating and prosecuting those involved,” he added.