An 82-year-old man, has been banished from Umuizu, Okwulaga Afaraukwu Ibeku, in Umuahia, Abia State, after being caught allegedly attempting to bury suspected charms on farmland belonging to a member of the community. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Residents and community youths chased him away from the community after apprehending him.
According to information gathered, the man was caught by community members following allegations that he was attempting to bury objects believed to be charms on another person’s farmland. He was taken to the palace of the traditional ruler of Okwulaga Afaraukwu Ibeku, His Royal Highness, Eze Edward Ibeabuchi, where the matter was brought before the monarch.
The traditional ruler condemned actions that threaten peace, unity, and harmonious coexistence within the community. He cautioned residents against engaging in activities that could create fear, suspicion, hostility, or division among community members. The monarch urged the people to uphold good moral values, respect one another, and embrace peaceful coexistence.
Following deliberations at the palace, the man was reportedly banished from the community over the alleged incident. When contacted, Eze Edward Ibeabuchi said, “I did not banish anybody. The community banished him. The community was not happy with him”. He added that the suspect confessed to killing his brothers and pleaded for forgiveness.
Eze Ibeabuchi revealed that the community asked the suspect to leave and not be seen in the community, and to go anywhere else he wants. The royal father expressed sadness over the incident, noting that the suspect is an elder in the community and is about 82 years old.
A community source said the suspect confirmed the allegations and led the community to where he committed the acts, including showing pictures of people. The source added that if not for the intervention of the traditional ruler, the suspect would have been lynched. The wife and children of the suspect went to thank the traditional ruler for preventing harm to the suspect.
As of the time of filing this report, details of any police involvement remained unclear. Efforts to get a police reaction were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Maureen Chinaka, could not be reached for comment. The community's actions have raised concerns about the role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and order.
Key points
- The suspect, an 82-year-old man, was banished from the community for allegedly confessing to killing many relatives and attempting to bury charms on a community member's farmland.
- The traditional ruler, Eze Edward Ibeabuchi, condemned the suspect's actions and urged the community to uphold good moral values and peaceful coexistence.
- The incident has raised concerns about the role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and order in the community.
