The Advocacy for Alleged Witches has denounced the arrest of Khadija Abdullah, a woman from Zamfara State, by the state's Hisbah Commission on allegations of witchcraft. In a statement, the group's director, Leo Igwe, described the arrest as unlawful. Abdullah was detained in Gusau, the state capital, following complaints by community leaders who claimed she engaged in forbidden spiritual practices at her residence.
According to Igwe, Hisbah officials raided Abdullah's apartment, where they found a woman receiving spiritual treatment. During interrogation, Abdullah admitted to providing spiritual treatment, believing she was possessed by spirits and used perfumes as part of the treatment. She reportedly recited prayers into water and administered it to people seeking traditional or spiritual remedies.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches noted that it is unclear whether formal charges have been brought against Abdullah. Hisbah Chairman, Sheikh Umar Hassan Gusau, stated that further investigation is needed to establish the authenticity of the allegations before any action is taken in accordance with the law. However, Igwe questioned the specific law under which the arrest was made, citing that Nigerian law does not recognise witchcraft as an offence.
The reported arrest has sparked reactions on social media, with experts like Chidi Odinkalu questioning Hisbah's authority to investigate or arrest alleged witches. Odinkalu asked, "From where does #Hisbah acquire the power, capacity, or authority to chase #WitchesAndWizards?" An advocate from Edo State described the action as religious persecution, while a medical expert familiar with northern Nigerian beliefs and practices said, "They should arrest half of the north then."
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urged Hisbah authorities to desist from "witch-hunting" and persecuting people over their religious or spiritual practices. Igwe stressed that Hisbah does not have the power to identify witches or determine witchcraft activities. He added that Abdullah should be allowed to engage in spiritual activities provided they do not violate the law or pose a threat to public health.
The group has contacted the National Human Rights Commission and the International Federation of Women Lawyers offices in Gusau to ascertain Abdullah's situation and establish the status of the case. Igwe called for efforts to protect people accused of witchcraft or "harmful spirituality" from persecution and assist them in seeking legal redress where necessary. He also urged the government to call Hisbah to order and end the Islam-based witch hunt in Zamfara.
The Zamfara State Police Command has advised the relatives of a victim allegedly subjected to witchcraft-related abuse to formally report the incident to the police for investigation. The Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Yazid, stated that a formal complaint would enable the command to invite those involved and commence investigation. The police have not received a formal complaint but are taking steps to draw the government's attention to the matter.
Key points
- The Advocacy for Alleged Witches condemns the arrest, citing Nigerian law not recognising witchcraft as a crime.
- Hisbah's authority to investigate or arrest alleged witches is being questioned by experts.
- The police are seeking a formal complaint to investigate the incident.
