Police arrest man for tying up lady for “money ritual” in Abuja hotel

The Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory command has said it has begun investigations into the matter of a 30-year-old suspected internet fraudster and ritual killer, Joseph Efe, who was apprehended after assaulting and tying up a female victim, Olivia Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, in an Abuja hotel.

The suspect reportedly committed the act on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Top View Hotel in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), commandant, Olusola Odumosu, during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters, had said Efe’s arrest came just as he was about to flee the hotel’s premises.

Meanwhile, Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT command, in a statement on Monday, sighted by Diaspora Digital Media, confirming the receipt of the suspect.

She reaffirmed the police commitment to collaborate with other relevant security agencies in the effort against crime and criminality within the Federal Capital Territory.

The statement reads in part; “FCT Police Command wishes to confirm the receipt of one Joseph Efe, a 30-year-old male suspect of Ondo State, from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, FCT Command.

“The suspect was arrested on 17th September, 2024, in connection to the alleged kidnapping, robbery and attempted murder of one Olivia Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, a 25-year-old female of Abia State, by forcefully and criminally confining her to a room in Top View hotel, Wuse, allegedly for ritual purposes as purported in viral video footage making rounds wherein the victim was gagged, her legs and hands tied with tape.”

“While discreet investigation into the matter has commenced, the FCT police command wishes to reaffirm its commitment to collaborate with other relevant security agencies in the effort against crime and criminality within the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement added.

Rising Cases Of Ritual killings In Nigeria

The cases of ritual killings in Nigeria have been on the rise, sparking widespread concern and outrage.

These gruesome murders, often linked to occult practices and human trafficking, involve the killing and harvesting of human body parts for alleged spiritual and financial gains.

The victims, frequently vulnerable individuals such as children, women, and people with disabilities, are targeted by ritualists who believe that human sacrifices will bring them power, wealth, and protection.

The Nigerian Police Force and other law enforcement agencies have arrested several suspects and dismantled ritualist gangs, but the crimes persist due to factors like poverty, unemployment, and a lack of effective law enforcement.

Experts attribute the surge in ritual killings to cultural and societal factors, including the erosion of traditional values and the influence of occult practices.

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