By BANNERNEWS Reporter
A middle-aged man, Mr Nwalozie Chiwendu, has allegedly killed his elder brother, Mr Chidiebere Isaiah, following accusations of witchcraft in Umunwacha village, Ofeh community, Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Residents said the incident occurred around 4pm on Thursday after the suspect accused his brother of being responsible for his lack of progress. He allegedly attacked the victim during a confrontation.
The victim was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries. His remains have since been deposited in a mortuary.
The suspect fled the community immediately after the incident and is currently at large.
Youth President of Ofeh community, Mr Chinonso Favour Chima, who confirmed the development, described it as shocking and unfortunate. He said community leaders promptly alerted the police and appealed to residents to remain calm.
Chima added that youths have commenced efforts to locate the suspect and hand him over to the authorities, stressing that the community is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
The incident was reported to the Police Division in Eberi, Omuma Local Government Area.
Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the case and said police had recovered the body and launched a manhunt for the suspect on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.
Meanwhile, a High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has sentenced 33-year-old Amaebi Joseph Amasa of Otuabula II Community, Ogbia Local Government Area, to 20 years’ imprisonment for sexual assault of a minor.
Delivering judgment in Suit No. BYHC/OG/CR/6/2025 on February 12, 2026, Justice (Dr.) S.W. Amaduobogha held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Bayelsa State, 2021.
Bayelsa Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Biriyai Dambo, SAN, welcomed the verdict, describing it as a strong warning against sexual and gender-based violence. Lead prosecutor, Mrs Pere Amanda Egbuson, also urged members of the public to promptly report abuse cases.
In a related judgment, another High Court in Yenagoa sentenced 29-year-old Ebimie Ajalla of Polobubo Community, Southern Ijaw LGA, to 12 years’ imprisonment for sexual assault of a three-year-old child. Delivering judgment in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CR/6C/2024, Justice Enegesi found the defendant guilty and commended the prosecution team for its diligence.
Witchcraft Accusation Turns Fatal in Rivers; Bayelsa Courts Hand Down Tough Rape Sentences
