During the operation, officers allegedly removed objects associated with his traditional worship, which family members had claimed were causing spiritual disturbances.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches has called on Governor Hope Uzodinma to intervene in what it described as the continued harassment and persecution of a blind traditionalist, Joseph Ottih, and his family in Imo State.

In a statement signed by its director, Leo Igwe, the group alleged that officers attached to the Tiger Base police unit in the state have repeatedly targeted Ottih and his relatives over allegations linked to his traditional religious practice.

According to the group, police officers raided Ottih’s residence in Oguta in December following complaints and petitions reportedly filed by some of his Christian relatives. 

“Joseph Ottih is a blind man and a traditionalist from Oguta, in Imo state. His wife and son are languishing in detention at the moment for trumped up charges,” Igwe said.

During the operation, officers allegedly removed objects associated with his traditional worship, which family members had claimed were causing spiritual disturbances.

The organisation further alleged that in January, Ottih’s wife, Obiageri, was arrested and detained for five days before being released after the family paid ₦150,000.

“In December, the police raided the premises of Joseph Ottih. They forcefully removed his Agwu (deity) following complaints and petitions from Christian relatives, Vivian Ottih and her brother Hilary Ottih, who lives in the US,” Igwe said.

“As a traditional religious practitioner, Joseph Ottih had traditional religious objects, which they said were spiritually disturbing the peace in the family and community. In January, the police arrested Joseph's wife, Obiageri, put her in the trunk of a car, and detained her for 5 days.”

“The family paid N150,000 before she was released,” he added. 

The group also alleged that the couple’s son, Uchenna, is currently in detention, while attempts were allegedly made to arrest other members of the family.

The group accused the Tiger Base unit of refusing to charge the matter in court, instead repeatedly inviting family members for questioning and allegedly extorting money from them. 

“Meanwhile, the Tigerbase police unit has refused to charge the case to court; they have been inviting and extorting money from the Ottihs,” the group said.

It also alleged that Ottih’s mobile phone was seized and that efforts by the family and their lawyer to secure either a formal arraignment or the release of those detained have not yielded results.

The statement specifically mentioned the Officer in Charge of the unit and an investigating officer, alleging that appeals made to them had been unsuccessful.

Igwe said, “They have seized the phone of Joseph Ottih, lured the son, Uchenna, to the station, and detained him. 

“The police tried to arrest his daughter, Favour, without success. They are trying to arrest his other children for detention and extortion of money. Joseph Ottih and his lawyer have been at the state police command and the Tigerbase station, urging them to charge the case to court or release the wife and son.”

“However, these appeals to the Officer in Charge, Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and the investigative police officer, Chikadibia (Kill and Bury), have fallen on deaf ears,” he said.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches described the development as a case of religious persecution, arguing that Ottih has a constitutional right to practise his traditional faith without intimidation. 

The group urged Governor Uzodinma to direct the police authorities in the state to investigate the matter and ensure that the rights of the family are protected.

“The Ottihs have the right to practise their traditional religious beliefs,” Igwe said.

“At a time that Nigeria has been called out for state enablement and neglect of religious persecution, Gov Uzodinma must exercise wisdom and take measures to stop the harassment, violation, and persecution of Joseph Ottih and family.”