Man arrested over attempt to use nephew for rituals

A 23-year-old man, Solomon Fabiyi, has been arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command for attempting to use his seven-year-old nephew, Jomiloju, for a money ritual.

According to the state police spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, Fabiyi was arrested on Friday, February 14, 2025, at around 7:00 p.m. before he could carry out the ritual.

Fabiyi, who resides with his parents and the victim in Ado-Ekiti, confessed to the crime and was subsequently arraigned.

Abutu stated that: “Our operatives arrested him on Friday, February 14, 2025, around 7:00 PM, following a tip-off, just as he was about to use his nephew for a money ritual.”

In a viral video, Fabiyi explained that he had been directed by a local herbalist to find someone to use for the ritual.

The herbalist allegedly guaranteed him that the individual selected for the ritual would survive, although they would have to live with a health issue.

Nevertheless, the herbalist informed the police when Fabiyi brought the child intended for the ritual.

The prompt arrest and arraignment of Fabiyi have been commended as a proactive measure in preventing harm to the child.

The incident highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community in preventing crimes, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals like children.

The police are continuing to investigate the matter, and the herbalist’s role in the attempted ritual is also being examined.