ONITSHA, Nigeria — A 25-year-old man, who previously attempted to use his own mother for a money ritual in 2023, was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday, February 5, 2025, inside the Onitsha Sports Club, located in the GRA area of the city.
Security operatives guarding the club apprehended the suspect, identified as Nnaemeke Edwin Odikpo, a native of Umuenwelu Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area but residing at Magazine Gate, GRA, Onitsha.
He was allegedly caught between 2:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m., attempting to bury objects suspected to be charms within the club premises.
Confession and Denial of Allegations
Upon interrogation, Odikpo confessed to the club officials that he was overwhelmed by guilt from his past actions.
He claimed that he walked into the club to pray for forgiveness, saying he had visions of death looming over him.
However, he strongly denied claims that he was acting as an errand boy for Barrister Harold Ekwerekwu and his family, who have been engaged in a long-running legal dispute with the club over land ownership.
The Ekwerekwu family has reportedly sponsored thugs on multiple occasions to demolish structures inside the club, arguing that the 99-year-old lease agreement between their forefathers and colonial authorities had expired.
Odikpo insisted that his visit to the club had no connection to the land dispute but was solely for spiritual redemption.
Family’s Intervention
During the interrogation, Odikpo’s uncle, Ikechukwu Nnachor, interrupted the discussion and informed club officials that his nephew had been mentally unstable since his failed attempt to sacrifice his own mother for ritual purposes in 2023.
His elder sister, Udezuo Anekwe, and elder brother, Aloysius Anekwe, confirmed that Odikpo had displayed strange behaviour since the incident.
They expressed concerns over his erratic actions, stating that he had been struggling with the consequences of his failed ritual attempt.
Resolution by Club Officials
The President of Onitsha Sports Club, Sir Godwin Okeke of GUO Motors Limited, along with Chief Daniel Okafor and other club members, presided over discussions on the suspect’s fate.
After deliberation, they instructed the security personnel who had arrested Odikpo to release him into the custody of his family.
A handwritten undertaking was signed by Uncle Nnachor, Sister Anekwe, and Brother Anekwe, taking responsibility for Odikpo and ensuring he stays away from the club premises.
Punishment and Warning
Before his release, Odikpo was given 13 strokes of the cane as a deterrent to him and others who may attempt similar actions.
The club members issued a stern warning that if he was ever found within the premises again, he would face severe consequences.
The incident has heightened concerns among club members over suspected spiritual activities within the premises, with growing suspicions of individuals burying charms for reasons yet to be determined.
