Man dies during ‘fortification’ ritual in his hometown

The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 26-year-old man, Chikwado Eze, from Ugbaike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, during a ritual intended to fortify him before traveling abroad.

The ritual, conducted by a native doctor, Enuwa Odugu, involved burying Eze alive for one hour and thirty minutes. Unfortunately, he died during the process.

Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe on Wednesday stated that both the native doctor, 48-year-old Odugu, and the victim’s father, Uwakwe Eze, 67, have been arrested on charges of conspiracy and murder as the native doctor confessed to performing similar rituals in the past and claimed the death was due to the victim’s failure to follow specific ritual rules.

The police investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be arraigned in court after its conclusion.