Man Arrested at Onitsha Sports Club After Alleged Ritual Attempt

Nnaemeke Edwin Odikpo, 25, was apprehended early Wednesday morning at the Onitsha Sports Club in the GRA area.

Odikpo, a resident of Magazine Gate in Onitsha and a native of Umuenwelu Anam, was discovered allegedly burying objects believed to be charms on the club grounds between 2:00 and 2:30 a.m.

While initially claiming that he entered the club to pray for forgiveness after a period of intense guilt, Odikpo’s arrest was part of a larger ongoing dispute between the Onitsha Sports Club and the Ekwerekwu family over land ownership.

The club members accuse the Ekwerekwu family of inciting vandalism and intimidation in an attempt to reclaim the land.

However, Odikpo denied any involvement with the Ekwerekwu family and claimed that his actions were motivated solely by remorse.  This claim was denied by his family.

His uncle, Ikechukwu Nnachor, revealed that Odikpo’s behaviour had become erratic since a failed attempt to use his mother for a money ritual earlier in 2023. This account was confirmed by his sister, Udezuo Anekwe, and brother, Aloysius Anekwe.

After meeting with club officials, including Sir Godwin Okeke, President of the Onitsha Sports Club, and Chief Daniel Okafor, Odikpo was released into his family’s custody.

He was punished with thirteen lashes before being released.  The family signed an agreement guaranteeing that he would not return to the club premises.

The club issued a strong warning that any future incidents would be met with harsher penalties.

The incident highlights both the ongoing land dispute and Odikpo’s alleged involvement in a ritual attempt.  Investigations into the incident are ongoing.