BY CHRISTY ABOGHE/OGORAMAKA AMOS/CHIKA KWAMBA/FAVOUR IDUBOR/PAUL EGEDE/RITA OYIBOKA/JUDITH OBIANUA
In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves through Cross River State, Nigeria, a 29-year-old man was arrested on January 10, 2025, for allegedly murdering his mother for ritualistic purposes. The tragic event unfolded on December 25, 2024, in Batriko, Eastern Boki Local Government Area. According to reports, the suspect not only took his mother’s life but also shaved her hair and disposed of her body in a well in Obudu Local Government Area. Authorities apprehended him at a native doctor’s shrine, where they discovered a bag containing his late mother’s hair. Both the suspect and the native doctor are currently in custody at the Obudu Divisional Police Headquarters, awaiting further investigation.
This is one of the many cases of the desperate pursuit of wealth fueling a disturbing surge in ritual killings across Nigeria, leaving a trail of innocent victims in its wake. The gruesome murders, often targeting women and young adults are allegedly being orchestrated by individuals in positions of power, from politicians and business leaders to community figures.
A recent survey on security challenges in Rivers State revealed the existence of influential figures, seemingly untouchable, implicated in these horrific acts. These individuals, residing in affluent areas throughout the state, are suspected of engaging in fetish practices and bizarre rituals to acquire wealth and maintain their status. Consequently, The Pointer investigated this escalating trend, speaking with concerned citizens and experts to understand the driving forces behind these heinous crimes.
According to Mrs. Kaiema Johnson, a human rights activist, ritual killing has become a lucrative, albeit macabre, business. “Some people profit immensely from these killings,” she explained. “It’s a two-pronged approach: contract killings; where hired assassins are paid for their gruesome work, and those who traffic in human body parts for quick financial gain. This dual motivation is why it’s becoming so rampant.”
Johnson attributed the rise in ritual killings to the pervasive “need for quick money.” “Everyone wants to get rich fast, without working for it,” she lamented. “While people were once afraid and ashamed of taking a life, hardship and peer pressure have normalized ritualism. The desire for instant wealth has eclipsed moral considerations.”
Mr. Wilfred Ibinabo, a sociologist, pointed to the influence of media, both traditional and social, on the perception of wealth. “Nollywood movies, intended to showcase the consequences of crime, are sometimes misinterpreted,” he observed. “Instead of serving as cautionary tales, they inadvertently inspire some individuals.”
Ibinabo also highlighted the impact of social media. “People see the lavish lifestyles displayed by ‘social media influencers’ without questioning the source of their wealth,” he said. “These days, influencers showcase expensive cars and houses, and followers rarely inquire about the true origins of their fortune. This creates a distorted perception of success and can pressure others to seek similar wealth through any means necessary.” He cited the recent case of an Abuja-based social media influencer and TikToker, Timileyin Ajayi, who, just a day before his arrest, posted a video dismissing concerns about ritual killings. “If he had succeeded and flaunted a new car, his followers would have attributed it to social media influencing, never suspecting the horrific truth,” he explained, adding “Society often fails to ask the crucial questions, inadvertently encouraging such acts.”
Meanwhile, some residents of Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State interviewed by The Pointer believe that ritual killing to make wealth exist and real while others argue that it is an act of ignorance on the part of those who get involved.
The immediate Past Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ika Chapel, Comrade Christian Ogor, while speaking with our correspondent said it is obvious that ritual killing for money exists, “whether you like it or not, some people are making money through killing others for ritual purposes. Although in the past it was not popular but now it has become rampage”.
Comrade Ogor said ‘’the rising ugly thread can be attributed to greed, the love of money, peer pressure, lack of good parental upbringing, the decadence in our society, competition as well as unhealthy comparison among our people.’’
According to him, social media and movies have influenced many people negatively to the extent they want to belong despite knowing the implications and consequences. ‘’It is too poor the way our society has decayed as most bad parents encouraged their children to get involved, comparing their children to others’’. He added that, although some are making genuine money through the internet, many others are making their money through ritual killing and hiding under the disguise of the internet.
Comrade Ogor said that the law enforcement agents have failed in their responsibility. ‘’Instead of curbing it, they are excusing them. The religious leaders are not left out as many of them are dubious, many fake pastors tell their members to bring pictures of their clients for prayers. They are encouraging these people to perpetrate evil. So many community leaders have as well failed their communities in carrying out their responsibility as leaders with integrity’’. ‘’To curb the rise of ritual killing in our society, there will be a need for reorientation of our mind about wealth, knowing fully that wealth is not everything. What matters is fulfilment and being contented with what we have’’ he said, adding that curbing it is possible but may take a very long time. We must continue to tell our children the truth and strive to bring back family values where children, mother and father will live responsibly’’.
In the same vein, Mr Ifeanyi Abiamuwe said he believes that someone can make money through the killing of another person because spirituality exists. ‘’Some ways of making money are more spiritual as money on its own attracts spirit. Some persons can go the extra mile to get money by all means through engaging in different activities and they make a lot of spiritual sacrifices to the extent of taking the lives of others’’.
Mr Abiamuwe noted that the law enforcement agents can be limited as the court of law does not recognize spiritual matters, especially when the ritualists are not caught with human body parts. He added that religious leaders have a great role to play in helping curtail the rising killings for ritual purposes. ‘’They should continue to preach to their congregation the truth anywhere and anytime to desist from such demonic acts.
He said most pastors have failed to preach the truth because they are after a large population for their churches without minding what their members engage in. He appealed to community leaders to live up to their responsibilities, citing Owa Alero in Ika North East Local Government Area as an example where their indigenes do not involve themselves in ritual killings as they believe that their gods will go after anyone who indulges in it.
On the contrary, Mr Asuwata Favour said, “No, I don’t believe ritual killings can bring wealth. Although it is happening in society and that is where we find ourselves today.
Mr Asuwata said greed, immoral upbringing, laziness, and idleness are some of the causes of such heinous crimes. ‘’Our leaders who out of greed, selfishness and self-centred refuse to do the needful. As a result of frustration, some undisciplined youths begin to commit abomination in the quest for comfortable living’’. He added that social media, movies are playing a clear role by demonstrating the process to society, adding that even when they (movies) show the repercussions ‘’our youths are being deceived into it due to societal pressures’’.
In Edo State, Pastor Blessing Iyamu argued that nobody can make money by killing another for ritual, adding ‘’It is just an act of wickedness and ignorance. What the Devil do is to use black magical power to collect money from them and give it to them. He said, ‘’The killing of human beings is the sacrifice they offer to maintain the covenant they had with the Devil.
Pastor Iyamu mentioned unemployment, laziness, and lack of fear of God as the causes of why people indulge in this dubious act. He suggested that the government should give employment to the youths. ‘’The law enforcement agencies should make sure they charged anyone caught in the act to court instead of receiving bribes and letting them go freely. The religious leaders should make sure they preach the truth always.’’
Furthermore, Pastor Sunday Isima said ‘’The idea that killing someone can bring wealth or prosperity is a misguided and dangerous superstition. There is no scientific or spiritual basis for this belief. Ritual killings are a heinous crime that has no justification or excuse. It’s essential to debunk this myth and promote education, critical thinking, and respect for human life’’.
Pastor Isima added that the rise in ritual killings can be attributed to a combination of factors, including poverty, unemployment, and a lack of education. ‘’In some cases, desperate individuals may turn to ritual killings as a means to achieve financial success or power.’’
‘’Over the years, ritual killings have evolved from being a rare and isolated occurrence to a more widespread and organized phenomenon. The use of social media and other digital platforms has also facilitated the spread of misinformation and the recruitment of vulnerable individuals into ritual killing groups’’.
Pastor Isima suggested ways to curb the rise in ritual killings. He said law enforcement agencies must take urgent measures to investigate and prosecute perpetrators. ‘’Religious bodies and community leaders must also speak out against ritual killings and promote education, critical thinking, and respect for human life. ‘’Additionally, community-based initiatives, such as education and job training programs can help to address the causes of poverty and desperation that drive individuals to engage in ritual killings. A multi-faceted approach that involves government, civil society, and community leaders is necessary to combat this disturbing trend’’ he said.
Meanwhile, the National Secretary of Ogbe-Nmudein community youths, Comrade Nicholas Ebegboni said “I find it hard to believe as I have never had a personal encounter. But because it’s almost like what one hears every day, I feel there is no smoke without fire. So, there must be something to it”.
“I think the blatant display of wealth on social media and movies showcasing those with questionable sources of income, and sometimes those without a source of income living extravagant lives gives the young ones the impression that one can engage in rituals and make money. The fact also that people celebrate these same people whose source of income are questionable also goes a long way to encourage this menace” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Anthony Abanimoro argued that the Devil doesn’t give anything for free. ‘’There must be an exchange for anything you desire for him to do for you. John 10:10; the devil cometh not but to kill, thief and to destroy but I have come that you have life and have it more abundantly. It’s only God that gives and doesn’t add sorrow to it; rather, He helps you multiply’’.
Mr Abanimoro said, ‘’If you are patient with God and working hard with the gifts and talents he has given to you, you must excel when it is the appointed time. Those periods when you undergo difficulties and challenges are the sacrifices you make for greatness. Those who find it difficult to undergo that long process are the ones who find themselves in diabolic means to get power in the form of money. He emphasized that we are in a digital age where technological advancement is happening so fast. ‘’We should be thinking of content that promotes good morals, modesty, hard work, perseverance, value and personal development, not teaching young people how to subscribe to get-rich-quick alternatives which are not sustainable and above all portraying our culture in a negative light. Although some of the movies are reflections of what Nigeria used to be in the olden days there should be a balance for young people to understand that there are consequences to these wrong approaches’’.
Mr Abanimoro appealed to the law enforcement agents to always regulate contents, just as he urged religious bodies to teach sound doctrine that will help nourish the soul and the spirit of the young ones so that they will embrace attitudinal change and become better Nigerians.
Addressing our correspondent in Agbor, Mr Akinola Aladejowo, a journalist, said ritual killing is a heinous and senseless act that continues to plague societies worldwide. He said social media platforms have become breeding grounds for sensationalism and misinformation. ‘’Ritual killing cases are often splashed across timelines, sparking a mix of morbid curiosity and outrage. However, this attention can have unintended consequences.
‘’Similarly, movies have long been a reflection of societal values and norms. However, when it comes to ritual killing, the cinematic portrayal can be problematic. Some films may glorify or trivialise ritual killing, making it seem acceptable or even desirable, misrepresent the practice, perpetuating stereotypes or reinforcing harmful misconceptions, sensationalize ritual killing, and creating a sense of excitement or thrill around the act.’’
Furthermore, Ven Israel Asala, a teacher, appealed to community leaders to continue to call for urgent meetings that should be held regularly to sensitize members on the dangers and implications of what their children/wards are involving themselves in. This presupposes the fact that the parents must be responsible, disciplined and aware of the activities of their children to be able to pass across the information and to instill the needed virtues.
Ven Israel added that the kings and other bodies for instance, who act as custodians of culture at the grassroots level should bring their traditional powers to bear on the land. ‘’Except the powers are fake, anyone involved in rituals in the land should be made to bear the consequences immediately. It will thus serve as a deterrent to those considering the idea of toeing such evil routes rather than relying on the genuine labour of their hands.
Speaking with Mrs Christina Okonkwo in Asaba, the Delta State Capital, she said that she does not believe that one can kill another to make money but admitted that there is a widespread belief that such exists.
According to Okonkwo, ‘’the situation of the country is a major cause of the rise in ritual killings. The rate of poverty is high, it is increasing every day. Some people believe that the quickest way to make money is through ritual.
In the same vein, Mr Solomon Uwakwe said he believes that one can kill another to make money. “We hear and see on the news how lifeless bodies are found along the road sometimes in the hotels with some parts of the body organ missing”.
‘’Due to hardship in the country our youths are doing everything possible to survive,’’ he said, noting that Nigeria is blessed with minerals and natural resources. ‘’if all these are working, I think this killing will stop’’. He urged the government to introduce skill acquisition from secondary school to tertiary levels of education to enable these young ones to acquire skills so that they can be engaged after school instead of waiting for white collars jobs’’
In an interview with The Pointer, a real estate agent, Mr Emmanuel Orumgbe, shared his insights on the alarming trend of ritual killings in Nigeria, attributing it to various social and economic factors.
Orumgbe addressed the unsettling notion of ritual killings as a means of acquiring wealth, saying, “It is indeed possible for individuals to seek financial gain through the lives of others. Spiritually, wealth is tangible and to acquire it demands an intangible price. Therefore, some believe that by using human body parts in spiritual rituals, they can achieve wealth.”
He elaborated on the motivations behind such actions, emphasising that poverty often drives individuals from less privileged backgrounds to resort to desperate measures in pursuit of wealth. “Many young people are exposed to images of wealth flaunted on social media, leading them to believe they too can achieve the same success, often through illegal means,” he explained. He further expressed concern about the content of local films, suggesting that they should be more rigorously censored to prevent the glorification of illegal wealth acquisition. “I believe our films are no longer adequately monitored, which is concerning. The portrayal of wealth gained through illicit means is rampant, and younger audiences are particularly impressionable,” he remarked.
Orumgbe also highlighted the role of security agencies in combating this menace, acknowledging their efforts but calling for better support from the government. “While the police and sister security agencies are doing their best, there is a need for more manpower and resources. By empowering these agencies with adequate training and equipment, we can enhance their effectiveness in protecting lives and property,” he said. He particularly noted the vulnerability of women in society, urging families to educate their daughters about the dangers of certain friendships and lifestyles. “Parents should engage with their children, especially daughters, about the importance of choosing friends wisely and being aware of their surroundings. Women should also avoid materialistic tendencies, as those who succumb to such lifestyles may become targets for perpetrators of these barbaric acts,” he advised.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Delta-based NGO, Family Values Renaissance and Empowerment Initiative, Amb. Tina Uche lamented the rise of ritual killings among youths, describing it as a tragic symptom of deeper societal failures.
According to her, “Family values have eroded significantly, and the pursuit of wealth has overshadowed moral upbringing. Many young people grow up in homes where material success is glorified above all else. In the past, parents and older siblings would scrutinise the things we brought home, but today, if a 16-year-old buys their parents cars and houses, it’s celebrated. Some parents even mock those whose children haven’t done the same. “Most of these young girls who fall victim to ritual killings are often breadwinners or come from dysfunctional families where no one questions their comings and goings. At night, you’ll see them lining the streets, many are trying to pay their tuition, support their siblings, or even their parents. It’s not uncommon for them to live alone, which was rare back in the day when young women typically stayed with family until marriage.”
Amb. Uche emphasised the importance of education and awareness in combating ritual killings among youths. She advocates for reintroducing value-based education that focuses on integrity and hard work. Additionally, she calls for stricter regulation of online content that glorifies crime and suggests family workshops to help rebuild moral values at home.
Pastor Edikan Ekpo of Living Faith Church in Port Harcourt also weighed in, noting that the surge in ritual killings is a sign of society losing its moral compass. “The Bible teaches that the love of money is the root of all evil, and we see this manifest in ritual killings. Many youths have lost their way, chasing fleeting riches instead of focusing on spiritual growth and moral integrity. “Tragically, some so-called religious leaders are complicit, twisting religious teachings for personal gain. Fake pastors, imams, and traditional priests exploit young people’s desperation, offering ‘spiritual solutions’ involving evil practices,” he said
Pastor Ekpo emphasised the church’s role in reversing the trend. “The church must be proactive, preaching against the get-rich-quick mentality and promoting patience, hard work, and faith in God’s timing’’
According to an anonymous respondent, “Killing another person to make money is the height of wickedness. People who do that shouldn’t be found living with other humans. Their hearts are hardened and their conscience ‘seared with a hot iron’. ‘’Greed is the main thing that is fueling ritual killings. Then we have laziness and selfishness. A person who engages in money rituals thinks only about himself and how to satisfy his desire for money. Also, social media and societal pressure play a huge role in this. A lot of young people flaunt their wealth on social media making their lifestyle desirable for some other people. We’re in a society that promotes frivolities, unfortunately. As long as someone has money, they are better accepted in society, no one cares how they make their money.
From Lagos, Chukwuemeka Okeke, a dealer in chandelier said “I don’t believe that there is power in ritual killings. Many Nigerians have been made to believe in the effectiveness of such rituals. Historically, rituals involving human sacrifice, have been practiced in various parts of the country and it is tied to the belief in supernatural powers, magic and spiritual intervention’’.
From the perspective of a student, Harmony Chidozie, “Ritual killings rather increase the problems in society and multiply the sorrows and unrest of such individuals and the society at the end of the day.
Meanwhile, some persons who spoke with our reporter said one couldn’t make money through ritual killing as there is no real evidence that ritual killings bring wealth. They said many people who claim to have gotten rich through such means often rely on fraud, scams, or other illegal activities rather than supernatural forces.
One Chinedu Okafor said wealth comes from strategic financial decisions, hard work, and sometimes luck and not from harming others. Moreover, involvement in such acts leads to severe legal and moral consequences.
Amarachi Uzondu said the rise in ritual killings is often fueled by a mix of economic desperation, cultural beliefs, and the influence of crime networks. ‘’Many people in struggling economies turn to ritual killings as a supposed shortcut to wealth. They believe that human sacrifices can bring financial success is reinforced by fraudulent spiritual leaders, social media, and some desperate individuals.
For Mr Raymond Eboigbe, Managing Director/CEO, Ray Channels Transport Ltd. Benin City, ritual killings are often motivated by beliefs that such acts can bring wealth, prosperity, or other benefits to individuals or communities.
The Pastor of Agape Family Church Benin City, Elakhe Imoukhede, said ‘’This ugly trend has been fueled over the years by home videos which promote wealth from ritual killings. The flaunting of stupendous wealth ignites an appetite for a luxurious lifestyle.
Accodding to another respondent from Edo State, Mr Oladele Ogundele, “No, there is no proven scientific or logical basis for the belief that ritual killings can generate wealth. These practices are based on superstition, misinformation, and manipulative schemes by individuals who prey on desperate or gullible people. While some perpetrators may temporarily amass wealth through fraud, intimidation, or criminal activities linked to such practices, there is no mystical or supernatural force that rewards human sacrifice with financial gain’’.
