ASABA, Nigeria — The Advocacy for Alleged Witches, AfAW, has called on Delta State authorities to prosecute individuals responsible for raising false alarms about manhood disappearance, warning that such accusations incite violence, mob brutality, and even murder.
The advocacy group made this call in an emailed statement to The Trent on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 signed by Leo Igwe, the director of the organisation.
The appeal follows recent incidents of false allegations in Asaba, where innocent individuals were subjected to violent mob attacks.
Despite the recurring nature of these cases, perpetrators often escape justice, further emboldening public hysteria and lawlessness.
False Accusations and Mob Attacks on the Rise
Delta State has witnessed multiple cases of alleged manhood disappearance, resulting in mob violence against the accused.
In November 2024, a young woman was falsely accused, stripped naked, brutally beaten, and violated by an irate crowd.
Graphic images of her bloodied and battered body circulated on social media. No arrests were made, and her attackers walked free.
Similarly, in an incident at Ogbeogonogo Market in Asaba, a young man was falsely accused of penis disappearance while attempting to buy a television remote.
Instead of arresting the accusers and attackers, police detained the victim for “his own safety.”
A witness recounted the even saying, “The guy came to buy shoes at the market. After purchasing the shoes, he now asked a guy where he could buy a television remote, and the guy pointed him to a shop.
“Not long after, the same person came back with others, claiming he didn’t feel his penis anymore. A mob quickly gathered to beat him.
“It took the intervention of the shoe seller and the remote shop owner to save him. Eventually, police took him to the anti-cult office in Asaba.”
The Case of Evan: A Test for Justice
One of the most disturbing recent cases occurred on March 17, 2025, when a young man named Evan was falsely accused of causing someone’s penis to disappear.
The mob viciously attacked him—his head and face were severely injured, he bled from his left eye, and he suffered a stab wound to the groin from a broken bottle.
The matter was reported to the palace of the Odogwu of Asaba, who called in the police.
Two suspects were arrested and charged in a magistrate court for giving false information and assault occasioning harm.
However, the magistrate granted them bail, and relatives of the suspects have been pressuring Evan to drop the case.
Advocates Call for Tougher Punishments
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches has strongly condemned these attacks and urged Delta State authorities to ensure that Evan’s case sets a precedent.
“False alarm over manhood disappearance is a form of incitement to violence. It fuels public hysteria, leading to mob attacks and lawlessness,” the group stated.
“Perpetrators must be punished to deter future false accusations.”
The advocacy group emphasised that no scientific or medical evidence supports claims of magical penis disappearance and called for public education to dispel these harmful myths.
Addressing Impunity and Preventing Future Attacks
False claims of penis disappearance persist because perpetrators face no legal consequences. AfAW is demanding strict prosecution of false accusers and violent mobs
The group also included swift police intervention to protect the accused rather than detaining them, and the launch of public awareness campaigns to educate people on the dangers of superstition and mob justice, in its demands.
“Evan’s case must serve as a deterrent to would-be accusers. Authorities must send a strong message that false alarms and mob violence will no longer be tolerated in Delta State.”
Asaba authorities now face a critical test: Will they uphold the rule of law or allow mob justice to prevail once again?
