Witchcraft Accusations, Agwu Beliefs and Police Abuse in Imo State — How Extortion and Impunity Thrive

This opinion piece by Leo Igwe exposes how witchcraft accusations and beliefs surrounding Agwu rituals are being exploited by families, vigilantes and even police officers in Imo State to justify abuse, extortion and human rights violations. Using the case of 70-year-old Joseph Ottih and his family, the article details alleged police brutality, illegal arrests, destruction of property and collusion between relatives, vigilantes and the anti-kidnapping unit (Tigerbase). Igwe argues that witchcraft accusations are unlawful under Nigerian law, that freedom of religion is constitutionally protected, and that the police must enforce the law—not tradition or superstition. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) vows legal support for the victims, insisting that witch-hunting, ritual policing and religious bias within law enforcement must end.

Ogun Police Order Probe After Viral Video of Portable in Custody
The Ogun State Police Command has ordered an internal investigation after a viral video surfaced showing controversial musician Habeeb Okikiola (Portable) handcuffed in police custody amid allegations of assault. Reports indicate that his arrest followed a complaint filed by his baby mama, Asabi.

The video, widely circulated on social media—especially on X—sparked public outrage and concerns over police brutality and human rights abuses. Reacting to the footage, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that Portable is indeed in custody but described the conduct seen in the video as unacceptable and against police standards.

The police spokesperson emphasized that filming or publicly displaying suspects is prohibited, as it endangers suspects and compromises investigations. He assured the public that an internal probe has begun, and any officers found culpable will be disciplined according to the law.

Was Deadly Force Justified? Why an ICE Agent Shot a Motorist in Minneapolis During Immigration Raids—and How This Killing Is Reigniting America’s Immigration and Police Brutality Debate

Was the fatal shooting of a motorist by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis an act of self-defence—or a troubling escalation in America’s immigration crackdown? And how far is the U.S. government willing to go in enforcing immigration laws under the Trump administration?

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed a woman during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis after authorities said she attempted to drive her vehicle into law enforcement officers. The incident occurred in a residential neighbourhood as ICE carried out what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as “targeted operations” connected to an ongoing nationwide enforcement surge.

According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, the confrontation unfolded after protesters reportedly surrounded officers at the scene. She alleged that the woman “weaponized her vehicle” in an attempt to run over federal agents—calling the act “domestic terrorism.” The woman was shot inside her car, but as of Wednesday evening, authorities had not released her identity or confirmed whether body-camera footage would be made public.

Why is this incident causing such outrage? The killing comes amid a dramatic expansion of federal immigration enforcement in major U.S. cities. Just one day earlier, DHS announced the deployment of approximately 2,000 federal agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul as part of a sweeping crackdown linked in part to alleged fraud involving members of the Somali community. The announcement immediately heightened tensions in a region already sensitive to aggressive immigration operations.

Following the shooting, crowds of protesters flooded the area, chanting “Shame! Shame! Shame!” and “ICE out of Minnesota!”—slogans that have echoed across other U.S. cities experiencing similar raids. Civil rights advocates and community leaders have called for an independent investigation, demanding transparency around the use of deadly force by federal officers during immigration operations.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey strongly condemned the federal presence, accusing ICE of destabilising the city. “Immigration agents are causing chaos in our city,” he said, insisting that federal authorities leave Minnesota and affirming the city’s support for immigrant and refugee communities.

What does this mean for immigration enforcement in America? The shooting is being widely seen as a turning point in an already polarising national debate over immigration, policing, and the militarisation of federal law enforcement. With Minneapolis now emerging as a flashpoint—alongside cities like Los Angeles and Chicago—the incident raises urgent questions: Are ICE operations becoming more dangerous for both officers and civilians? Is the use of lethal force becoming normalised in immigration enforcement? And will federal authorities face greater scrutiny or legal challenges over how these operations are conducted?

As investigations loom and public anger grows, the Minneapolis shooting is likely to intensify political battles over immigration policy, civil rights, and the limits of federal power—reshaping how America confronts one of its most divisive issues in the years ahead.

From Church To Cell: Delta Police Accused Of Random Crossover Night Arrests, Assault And ₦200,000 Extortion Of Worshippers In Asaba

Worshippers arrested during crossover night celebrations in Asaba, Delta State, have accused the Delta State Police Command of carrying out random arrests, physical assault and extorting between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 before granting bail. The arrests reportedly occurred on New Year’s Eve at multiple locations, including Inter-Bau Roundabout and Direct Labour Agency (DLA) Road, and affected over 40 people, many of whom were attending or returning from church services.

Although the police described the arrested individuals as “hoodlums” involved in violent conduct, several victims told SaharaReporters that they were innocent worshippers who were rounded up without cause, detained at the state police headquarters and allegedly framed. Some suspects said they were only released after paying large sums of money for bail, which is legally free.

Victims and witnesses accused officers under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Adejobi Olumuyiwa, of abusing power and violating human rights. A Federal Road Safety Corps officer and a lawyer both confirmed incidents of extortion, while another victim narrated how police allegedly assaulted her and broke her tooth during the arrest of her brother.

Police insiders also criticised the DCP’s operational style, alleging repeated mass arrests and disregard for due process. Efforts to get official responses were unsuccessful, as the outgoing and incoming commissioners of police distanced themselves from the incident, while the police spokesperson said the matter involved his superiors. The allegations have renewed public outrage over police brutality, extortion and abuse of authority in Nigeria.

Families of Domestic Workers Detained Since 2019 Over Alleged Patience Jonathan Jewellery Theft Slam Goodluck Jonathan’s New Year Message, Demand Immediate Release or Speedy Trial

Families of domestic workers detained since 2019 over an alleged jewellery theft involving former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, have criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan’s New Year message to Nigerian leaders, describing it as hypocritical and insensitive. The families accused Jonathan of calling for people-centred leadership while remaining silent over the prolonged detention of workers linked to his household, who have been held in custody for more than five years without bail.

Speaking on behalf of the families, a relative of one of the detainees said Jonathan’s appeal for leaders to prioritise citizens’ welfare rang hollow while the accused domestic workers continue to languish in prison amid repeated court delays. The families urged the former president to lead by example by ensuring either the release of the detained workers or the speedy conclusion of their long-running trial.

The families lamented the slow pace of the case, noting that while the detainees are reportedly in good health, the prolonged detention has caused severe emotional and economic hardship. They expressed hope that the case would be concluded early in 2026, stressing that justice delayed continues to punish innocent families.

Their reaction followed Jonathan’s New Year message in which he acknowledged Nigeria’s economic hardship and insecurity, urged leaders to adopt people-oriented governance, and called for leadership anchored on humility, integrity and service to the people.

The controversy has once again drawn attention to the case of 15 domestic workers accused of stealing jewellery allegedly worth hundreds of millions of naira from Mrs. Jonathan’s residence. The defendants, who have been held at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa since 2019, have consistently told the court that they were abducted, tortured and forced to make confessions. Some have named security personnel allegedly involved in their abuse, including claims of suspension, whipping and coercion.

Despite repeated allegations of torture and police brutality linked to the case, no security operative has been investigated or charged, further fuelling public criticism and calls for justice, accountability and the release of the detained workers.

Lives Lost During #EndSARS, But None at Lekki Toll Gate — Lai Mohammed

The Lekki Toll Gate incident remains one of the most disputed episodes of the October 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality, with sharply differing accounts from protesters, civil society groups, and the Federal Government.

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has again maintained his position that although lives were lost during the nationwide #EndSARS protests, no deaths occurred at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020.

Speaking on Tuesday as a guest on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television, Mohammed said his stance has remained unchanged since the protests. He stressed that the Federal Government never denied that lives were lost during the unrest.

“Five years later, my position has not changed. At no point did the government ever say that lives were not lost during #EndSARS. We lost several lives, including soldiers and policemen, but nobody was killed at the toll gate,” he stated.

#EndSARS #LekkiTollGate #NigeriaNews #Politics

Sapele Protests: Take-It-Back Movement Condemns Police Brutality, Unlawful Detention As Delta Governor’s Aide Sunday Wankego Allegedly Evades Probe

The Delta State chapter of the Take It Back Movement (TIB) has strongly condemned alleged police misconduct, unlawful detention, and selective enforcement of the law following protests in Sapele, Delta State. The protests were sparked by accusations of police brutality, the illegal deployment of police officers for private purposes, and the alleged operation of unauthorised detention facilities reportedly linked to the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, Mr. Sunday Okeke Wankego.
TIB alleged that a complainant who reported an assault was unlawfully detained by police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba, while the principal suspect allegedly failed to honour an invitation for questioning. The movement described the situation as a grave injustice and secondary victimisation, warning that political influence may be undermining due process and presidential directives on police withdrawal from VIP and private attachments.
Calling for a transparent and independent investigation, TIB demanded the immediate release of any unlawfully detained victims and accountability for officers found to have abused their powers, stressing that continued inaction risks eroding public trust in law enforcement institutions.

Amnesty International Condemns Threats To Lives Of Nonso Nkwa, RULAAC Director Okechukwu Nwanguma Over Exposing Police ‘Tiger Base’ Atrocities In Imo State

Amnesty International has raised alarm over threats to the lives and safety of human rights defenders and journalists in Nigeria, condemning reported intimidation against Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), and Owerri-based broadcaster and activist, Nonso Nkwa. According to the global rights organisation, the threats are linked to their efforts to expose alleged human rights abuses, including unlawful detention and other serious violations, at the notorious Tiger Base police detention facility in Owerri, Imo State.
Amnesty warned that the situation reflects a broader and troubling pattern of harassment and intimidation targeting whistleblowers, journalists, and activists who speak out against police brutality, corruption, and rights violations across the country. The organisation urged Nigerian authorities to immediately investigate the threats, guarantee the protection of both men, and ensure accountability for those responsible, stressing that silencing voices exposing injustice undermines the rule of law and democratic accountability.

AAC Calls for Shutdown of Owerri “Tiger Base” Police Facility, Demands Justice Over Alleged Torture and Extrajudicial Killings

The African Action Congress (AAC) has urged Nigerians to support the Coalition Against Police Tiger Base Impunity (CAPTI) following a report detailing torture, extrajudicial killings, and human rights abuses at the Owerri police facility. The party demands the immediate closure of Tiger Base, prosecution of implicated officers including ACP Oladimeji Adeyeyiwa, independent investigations, reparations for victims, and comprehensive police reforms with civilian oversight. AAC’s call to action emphasizes solidarity across civil society, workers, students, and the diaspora to hold authorities accountable and end systemic police brutality.

Lagos Police Allegedly Shoot Resident During Illegal Arrest, Demand N300,000 for Release

A Lagos resident claims he was shot by police after intervening in the attempted arrest of young men in the Powerline area. The victim alleged that officers from Area G Command fired at him, hitting his thigh and thumb, before taking him and others to Elere Police Station. He and fellow detainees were reportedly beaten, falsely accused of crimes, and forced to pay N300,000 for bail and compensation for a damaged phone. The Divisional Police Officer denied the allegations despite video evidence. This incident raises serious concerns over police brutality and extortion in Lagos.

Human Rights Day: RULAAC Urges Nigerian Government to End Widespread Citizens’ Rights Violations

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Nigerian government to treat human rights as essential daily needs rather than abstract promises. In a statement marking Human Rights Day 2025, Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma highlighted the year’s theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” stressing the importance of access to clean water, healthcare, education, justice, housing, and freedom of expression. RULAAC lamented widespread rights violations caused by corruption, insecurity, poor governance, police brutality, and collapsing social services. The group urged the Tinubu administration to move beyond rhetoric by improving basic services, guaranteeing civic freedoms, reforming law enforcement, protecting vulnerable groups, and addressing insecurity through rights-respecting approaches. It reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring abuses and advocating for a Nigeria where human dignity is upheld daily.

Lagos Policeman Caught Assaulting Bus Conductor as Passengers Protest Police Brutality in Viral Video



A Lagos police officer has sparked outrage after being captured on video violently restraining a bus conductor inside a commercial vehicle. The viral footage shows distressed passengers pleading with the officer to stop as the conductor, gasping for breath, repeatedly cried for help. Witnesses warned that the man appeared to be suffocating, urging the officer to release him.
The policeman, however, defended his actions, claiming the conductor had assaulted him first after a LASTMA official stopped the bus. He insisted he was not acting unlawfully and acknowledged that the woman recording the incident had the right to do so.
The episode adds to growing public anger over recurring cases of police harassment and brutality in Lagos, with residents urging the state command to curb misconduct among officers.

Lagos Police Officer Filmed Assaulting Bus Conductor as Passengers Plead: “He’s Suffocating!”

A viral video has sparked outrage after showing a Lagos police officer assaulting a bus conductor during a confrontation inside a commercial bus. Passengers begged the officer to stop as the conductor appeared distressed and struggled to breathe, repeatedly crying for help. While witnesses accused the officer of excessive force, the policeman claimed the conductor assaulted him first after a LASTMA stop. The incident adds to ongoing concerns over repeated cases of police brutality across Lagos.
#LagosPolice #PoliceBrutality #ViralVideo

Black Lives Matter and its founders, Patrisse Cullors & Alicia Garza, are reportedly under federal investigation for the alleged misuse of $90 million in donations.

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into allegations that leaders of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement misused tens of millions of dollars in donations raised during the 2020 George Floyd protests.

According to the Associated Press, federal prosecutors have issued subpoenas & executed at least one search warrant in connection with the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc. & several affiliated groups that helped organize nationwide demonstrations against racial injustice & police brutality.

The probe is reportedly being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, led by Bill Essayli, a former Republican assemblyman known for his past criticism of BLM.

Sources indicated that while the investigation began under the Biden administration, it has accelerated since President Trump took office.

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation stated that it is not the target of any federal criminal inquiry and emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing donations.

The organization collected over $90 million in 2020 but has faced ongoing scrutiny over how the funds were used. In 2022, reports revealed that BLM leaders purchased a $6 million property in Los Angeles with donor money, sparking public backlash. Co-founder Patrisse Kahn-Cullors resigned shortly after the revelations amid criticism of her real estate purchases.

Despite the controversy, BLM leaders have consistently denied wrongdoing. Their most recent tax filings show $28 million in assets as of June 2024.

Earlier in 2022, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sued the organization for failing to comply with a state investigation into its finances, though the case was later dismissed after BLM provided the requested documents. So far, no criminal charges have been filed against the group or its leaders.

Family Accuses Police of Killing ABU Graduate After Driving Against Traffic.

Some police officers in Kaduna State have been accused of killing Engineer Abdurraheem Mustapha, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and postgraduate student at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

Mustapha, who was also working in Abuja, reportedly d+ed on Friday, 29th August 2025, while on his way to NDA for lectures. According to family sources, “On Friday, 29th August 2025, on his way to NDA for lectures, his life was cut short” in what was described as the “most painful and unjust way near Garkuwa Junction, in Kaduna State.”

They alleged that a police van knocked down the motorcycle he was riding. His elder brother, Sabiu Mustapha Abubakar, narrated: “He was on a bike on that Friday when the police van which was following one-way came speeding, they h+t him on the head while the bike he was on, was in motion, you know the way they do while clearing way and speeding on a major road.”

“He sat at the back of the bike, so they hit him with the stick at the back of his head.” Witnesses reportedly intervened, compelling the officers to take him to a hospital.

Sabiu continued: “The people there insisted that he must be taken to a hospital, that was what made the police personnel take him to hospital. When they saw that the situation was serious, they ran away.”

At the hospital, it was confirmed that Mustapha died from the impact of the stick blow. “His body did not suffer any bodily h+rm but for the heavy bamboo stick which is popularly called Gora used in hitting him and k+lling him.” The family further alleged a cover-up attempt by the police.

“The police have tried to cover up the incident, claiming instead that the bike collided with a car but many eyewitnesses deny such claims, it is unfortunate that those meant to protect him killed him.” The incident has fueled fresh concerns about police brutality, abuse of power, and disregard for human rights, despite repeated promises of reform from authorities.

A viral video has sparked outrage after Edo State Taskforce operatives, backed by police, were seen dragging residents—including teenagers and interstate commuters—into buses for allegedly violating the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Witnesses reported harassment, assaults, and forced arrests, with critics condemning the crackdown as unconstitutional and abusive. Many on social media likened the taskforce’s actions to notorious patterns of police brutality in Nigeria.

#EdoState #TaskforceAbuse #HumanRights

The Edo State Taskforce has come under fire after a viral video showed operatives dragging residents, including teenagers and commuters, into buses for allegedly violating the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Witnesses reported harassment, assaults, and forced arrests, with police officers assisting the taskforce. Critics condemned the crackdown as unconstitutional, violent, and abusive, questioning how travelers on federal roads could be punished for state laws. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many likening the taskforce’s actions to past cases of police brutality.

#EdoState #HumanRights #TaskforceAbuse

Sowore Urges Nigerians To Use AI Glasses, Digital Tools To Expose Police Brutality, Defeat Old Order

Human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerians to deploy technology such as AI-powered glasses, body cameras, and dashboard cameras to protect themselves against police brutality and state impunity.

In a post on his X account, Sowore declared that “the era of darkness and impunity is coming to an end,” stressing that technology must power the fight against the old order.

His remarks followed a viral video of Lagos police officers assaulting a motorist for wearing AI glasses during a stop-and-search operation.

Sowore cited his own experience in January 2025, when he used Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to record alleged police extortion near Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Instead of sanctioning the officers, he said, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered his arrest and prosecution for “cybercrime.”

He further recounted how his glasses were controversially seized during protests at Force Headquarters in Abuja, later returned quietly when security agencies failed to access the device’s stored data.

According to him, these incidents reveal the hostility of Nigerian authorities toward technology that exposes misconduct. He accused the political elite of fearing digital accountability, pointing to Senate Chief Whip Opeyemi Bamidele’s recent description of social media as a “national threat.”

“The fear of technology by those in power is precisely why digital resistance has become their greatest nemesis,” Sowore said.

He praised the Lagos motorist for resisting harassment, describing the act as proof that Nigerians will no longer remain silent.

“I urge every citizen to arm themselves with AI glasses, body cams, dashboard cameras, and other digital devices to expose brutality, prevent cover-ups, and save lives. Technology is our witness — and the revolt must be AI-powered if we are to defeat the old order,” he added.

#Sowore #PoliceBrutality #DigitalResistance #AIGlasses

Lagos Police Identify Officers In Viral Video Assaulting Motorist Wearing AI Glasses, To Face Sanctions

The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the conduct of officers caught on video harassing a motorist for wearing AI-powered glasses during a stop-and-search operation in Lagos.

In a statement released Friday night, the police confirmed that the officers involved had been identified as personnel attached to the Lagos State Police Command.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, has reportedly taken swift action, ordering disciplinary measures against the officers and restructuring of the squad involved.

“We strongly condemn the actions of some officers captured in a viral video attempting to forcibly remove a pair of glasses from a motorist during a stop-and-search operation, and further assaulting him,” the statement read.

The Force assured the public that the misconduct does not reflect its professional standards, stressing its commitment to sanctioning errant officers whose actions embarrass the institution.

The viral video, posted by Objectv Media on Friday, shows an officer questioning the motorist over his AI glasses before slapping him and trying to remove them. Despite presenting his driver’s licence and vehicle papers, the motorist was harassed.

“Why do you put us on camera?” the officer asked before striking him. The driver protested, insisting he had the right to wear his glasses and questioning why it was a problem for police work.

The incident has reignited concerns about police brutality and abuse of power in Nigeria. Despite the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) after the 2020 #EndSARS protests, many citizens argue that police misconduct and impunity remain widespread.

#LagosPolice #PoliceBrutality #AIGlasses #EndSARS

Abuja Man Alleges Police Brutality After Overtaking Plainclothes Officer: “He Shot at My Car Three Times, Then They Beat Me”

A man identified as Godwin Omeje has recounted a harrowing experience of alleged police brutality in Abuja, claiming he was shot at and then beaten by plainclothes officers for simply overtaking a vehicle near a faulty traffic light.

Speaking with SaharaReporters on Sunday, Godwin described how the incident unfolded around 5:00 PM at the Taj Bank junction near the Federal Secretariat. The traffic lights were not functioning, and there were no officers directing vehicles, leaving drivers to manage the confusion.

Godwin said he carefully overtook a private car in the congested area, unaware that the driver was a plainclothes police officer.

“The vehicle in front moved, so I went ahead too. Then the driver rolled down and asked why I was driving like that. I asked, ‘What did I do?’ and he claimed I overtook him,” Godwin recounted.

Although there was no accident or contact between the cars, the confrontation quickly escalated. The man demanded Godwin step out of his vehicle, but sensing danger, Godwin drove away and changed direction to avoid further conflict.

“As I made a U-turn, I heard gunshots—three of them. The bullets hit my car,” he said.

He was eventually forced to stop and was allegedly pulled out of his vehicle and assaulted by the plainclothes officer and at least three others. The beating continued even after he was taken to a police post behind the Ministry of Education in Phase Two.

“They dragged me into a large room and beat me with a big stick. The officer who started the assault was joined by others who punched and kicked me. He left, came back, and beat me again,” Godwin said.

Later, he was taken to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), hoping for some reprieve. Instead, the abuse continued.

“When I explained what happened, the DPO picked up a stick and started beating me too. I could barely see or move,” he said.

Godwin remained in the station until nightfall and was then thrown into a cell. He revealed that his wife and brother began searching for him when he failed to return to the hospital where his father was admitted.

“They eventually traced me to the station at the Federal Secretariat. When they mentioned my name, the officers confirmed I was in custody. My brother pleaded to take me to the hospital, but they refused, saying I couldn’t be released until the ‘officer in charge’ returned the next day,” he said.

His brother eventually contacted a former commissioner who pressured the DPO into releasing him. However, Godwin says his phone and car are still being held by the police.

“I want my phone and car back. I also want compensation for everything I went through. The DPO also beat me. The government must investigate this,” Godwin demanded. “If the plainclothes officer can't be identified, the DPO must be held accountable—he is responsible for those under him.”

Repeated efforts to reach FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh for comment were unsuccessful.

This case adds to a growing list of reported police abuses in Nigeria. Despite repeated promises of reform, victims and rights groups continue to report widespread misconduct and brutality.

In a related report, SaharaReporters previously documented numerous allegations against the late CSP Ekene Nwosu, accused of framing innocent people and illegally profiting from their imprisonment in Akwa Ibom State. Victims claimed he sold confiscated vehicles while their owners languished in detention on fabricated charges.

As public frustration mounts, calls for accountability within the Nigerian Police Force are growing louder.