Societal decay: Nigeria’s uphill battle against ritual murders, fraud

The distressing increase in ritual murders and fraud in Nigeria is a concerning indication of the gradual erosion of long-standing societal values.

Over the past few years, Nigeria has been confronted with an unsettling surge in occurrences of ritualistic killings and fraudulent activities, wherein individuals from various age groups have resorted to abhorrent acts in their relentless pursuit of immediate wealth and prosperity.

These distressing incidents unequivocally underscore the profound collapse of moral and social principles within Nigerian society, thereby compelling us to critically reassess and reevaluate the prevailing value system that governs our nation.

One such case involved a final year student at the University of Portharcourt, Collins, who allegedly killed his lover, Justina Tiffany Otuene, for money ritual. Collins was apprehended by residents while attempting to dispose of the lifeless body. 

Another shocking incident occurred in Andoni, Port Harcourt, where 12 suspected internet scammers were arrested for burying a day-old baby alive in a macabre voodoo ritual.

These cases illustrate the desperate quest for instant riches that drives some individuals to commit acts of savagery.

The prevalence of such crimes reflects a deeper issue within Nigerian society. The pursuit of wealth at any cost, coupled with a lack of opportunities and a deteriorating value system, has created an environment where individuals are willing to engage in unthinkable acts. 

The collapse of moral and social values is evident, as seen in cases like Amos Olaleye, who killed his sister and engaged in necrophilia, believing it would alleviate his family’s poverty.

Also, Obeta John, a 27-year-old man, was apprehended a month later for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Idowu Buhari, a promising Mass Communication student at Gateway Polytechnic in Sapade, within the same state. Shockingly, John believed that this heinous act would serve as his gateway to unimaginable wealth.

The year had barely begun when the authorities in Bauchi State captured Isaac Ezekiel, a man accused of committing a gruesome act. 

Ezekiel was said to have forcefully plucked out the eyes of a 16-year-old boy named Uzairu Salisu, all in the pursuit of money through dark rituals. His two partners in crime, Nensok Bawa, aged 38, and Yohanna Luka, who went by the alias ‘Doctor Samu,’ aged 52, were also apprehended.

These incidents are not isolated occurrences but rather symptoms of a larger problem. Studies have revealed that the rise in fraud-related crimes and the desperate quest for quick wealth can be attributed to the erosion of moral values within social institutions.

The family unit, educational institutions, and religious organisations have all succumbed to the allure of material prosperity, placing it above the importance of integrity.

Another significant factor contributing to this alarming trend is the growing army of unemployed youths. As of 2022, the National Bureau of Statistics estimated that youth unemployment stood at a staggering 53.4 percent.

Despite this dire situation, secondary and tertiary institutions continue to churn out hundreds of thousands of graduates annually, leaving many with no viable employment prospects. Furthermore, the political class has perpetuated a false narrative, glorifying fetish practices as a means to achieve greatness and relevance.

Shockingly, some prominent politicians have been caught engaging in voodoo rituals, setting a deplorable example for the impressionable youth. Penal Reform International, a non-governmental organization, has identified several factors that drive young individuals towards a life of crime.

These include unemployment, the breakdown of the family unit, pervasive violence in society, the replacement of morally upright role models with unscrupulous yet wealthy individuals, poverty, and the weakness of state and social institutions. 

Unfortunately, all of these factors are prevalent in Nigeria, exacerbating the issue at hand.It is evident that a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach is required to address this alarming rise in crime. 

Efforts must be made to restore the moral fabric of society, provide viable employment opportunities for the youth, and hold accountable those in positions of power who perpetuate harmful beliefs and practices. 

Only through collective action can Nigeria hope to stem the tide of these disturbing crimes and create a safer and more prosperous future for its citizens.

Compromise by law enforcement agents, particularly the police, has worsened cybercrime in Nigeria. 

Most times, when policemen arrest real or framed-up Internet fraudsters, it is to extort money from them and become their allies. 

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation alleged that convicted international cyber criminal, Nigerian Ramon Abbas, aka ‘Hushpuppi,’ paid disgraced Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, N8 million to arrest and detain a co-conspirator.

In order to combat the rising trend of ritual killings in Nigeria, security agents need to increase their efforts to prevent, arrest, and prosecute those responsible. Despite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime, the prevalence of this crime is still overwhelming.

In 2022, the agency reported convicting 3,615 suspects. It is important to identify and bring to justice the herbalists, spiritualists, and religious charlatans who are aiding in these ritual killings of innocent people.

State authorities should work with traditional religious institutions to root out any bad actors in their communities.

To combat this disturbing trend, it is essential to implement comprehensive social programs that focus on restoring ethical values and providing alternative economic opportunities.

While crime control measures are essential, they must be accompanied by initiatives that discourage youth from resorting to crime in the first place. Education, skill development, and mentorship programs can play a pivotal role in redirecting the aspirations of young Nigerians towards legitimate and ethical means of success.

The federal and state governments should implement programmes promoting economically productive activities, stimulate job creation, and provide decent social services to keep the youth gainfully occupied.

Nigerians must collectively re-examine the prevailing value system that glorifies individuals with questionable wealth. 

The society’s perception of success should shift towards recognising and celebrating individuals who have achieved prosperity through hard work, integrity, and ethical practices. By promoting these values, Nigeria can foster a culture that discourages criminal activities and encourages the pursuit of legitimate wealth.

It is imperative for the government, civil society organisations, and individuals to come together and address this issue holistically. 

Only through collective efforts can the country overcome this dark chapter and pave the way for a more prosperous and morally upright society.