Man Arrested in Ekiti for Allegedly Attempting to Use His Nephew for Money Ritual
In a chilling case of family betrayal and occult practices, a 23-year-old man identified as Solomon Fabiyi has been arrested by the police in Ekiti State for allegedly attempting to use his young nephew for money rituals. The suspect, who hails from Kwara State but was born in Ekiti, was apprehended by a team of police officers on February 14, 2025, following an investigation into the disturbing incident.
Solomon Fabiyi, a man who had been living with his nephew Jomiloju’s mother and assisting in caring for the child, allegedly sought the services of a native doctor to perform a ritual that promised him wealth. According to Fabiyi’s confession to the police, the native doctor had instructed him to find a person, preferably someone close to him, to serve as the subject of the ritual. The native doctor allegedly assured him that the ritual would not result in death but would cause the victim to suffer a lifelong ailment.
The young man’s decision to use his nephew, Jomiloju, for this purpose has shocked many in the community. Solomon explained that he believed the ritual would give him access to wealth, while his nephew, despite the ailment he would suffer, would still live and continue to receive education and a “good life” through Solomon’s newfound fortune.
The police were alerted to the suspicious activities of the suspect after concerned community members raised questions about Solomon’s relationship with his nephew. A thorough investigation was launched, which eventually led to the arrest of the 23-year-old man. Upon interrogation, Solomon reportedly admitted to the crime, confessing that he had intended to use his nephew for the ritual after the native doctor gave him the instructions.
Sunday Abutu, the spokesperson for the Ekiti State Police Command, confirmed the arrest and disclosed that the suspect had confessed to the crime. Abutu stated that Solomon had been charged in court for his involvement in the attempted ritual, and the police are currently working to identify and apprehend the native doctor who allegedly provided the guidance for the ritual.
The tragic part of this story lies in the relationship between the suspect and his victim. Solomon Fabiyi had been living in the same household as his nephew, Jomiloju, and had been tasked with helping care for him. The young boy, reportedly unaware of his uncle’s intentions, was put in harm’s way by someone who should have been a protector. The sense of betrayal is amplified by the fact that Solomon, who had a responsibility to care for Jomiloju, was instead contemplating a sinister plan that could have irreparably damaged the child’s life.
This incident highlights the disturbing and, unfortunately, not uncommon practice of money rituals in parts of Nigeria. Money rituals, also referred to as “sacrificial rites,” are part of a belief system rooted in certain traditional practices, where individuals are led to believe that wealth and power can be obtained by offering human sacrifices, often with the promise that the victim will not die but suffer a debilitating ailment or lose their life under certain circumstances.
While such rituals are illegal and morally reprehensible, they continue to be a source of concern in several communities. Reports of individuals, sometimes even family members, resorting to such practices in desperate attempts to gain wealth have surfaced over the years. These rituals exploit vulnerable individuals, especially children, and have devastating impacts on families and communities.
In this case, the involvement of a native doctor raises questions about the role that traditional healers play in perpetuating such dangerous practices. While some traditional healing practices are widely accepted and respected in various parts of Nigeria, there are growing concerns about individuals who exploit people’s beliefs for personal gain. The police have indicated that they are working to track down the native doctor who allegedly instructed Solomon to carry out the ritual, with the intention of holding them accountable for their part in the crime.
The native doctor, if caught, would face charges related to promoting and facilitating ritualistic practices. Such practitioners are often seen as intermediaries who claim to have the ability to connect with spiritual forces to bring about material wealth or other benefits, often at the cost of others’ well-being.
For Jomiloju, the potential psychological trauma from this experience is immeasurable. While he was fortunate to have escaped the immediate danger, the emotional toll of knowing that his own uncle was willing to harm him for financial gain is likely to be profound. Beyond the physical implications of an alleged ritual, the mental and emotional scars that come with being subjected to such an ordeal can last a lifetime. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to such betrayals, and it is crucial that they receive counseling and support to help them heal from the trauma.
The news of Solomon Fabiyi’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the local community in Ekiti. Many have expressed disbelief and anger, unable to fathom how a man who had a familial bond with the victim could resort to such drastic measures. Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions of the incident, with many condemning the act as an egregious violation of family trust.
Local residents have called for stricter regulations and better awareness programs to curb the practice of money rituals and the role of traditional healers in perpetuating harmful beliefs. The case has also sparked debates about the need for greater educational efforts in communities to prevent the spread of such dangerous ideologies.
The arrest of Solomon Fabiyi is part of a broader effort by law enforcement to address the issue of ritual killings and human sacrifice, practices that have no place in modern society. However, it also underscores the need for a broader societal shift that tackles the root causes of why such beliefs persist. While the police have made progress in investigating ritualistic crimes, authorities must also consider the deeper psychological and social factors that contribute to these practices. Economic desperation, superstition, and a lack of education often fuel the belief in such rituals, and tackling these issues requires a multifaceted approach.
As the case moves through the legal system, questions will likely arise about the effectiveness of laws in curbing ritualistic crimes. Efforts must be made not only to punish those involved in such heinous acts but also to address the social and cultural factors that allow these practices to thrive. Educational programs, community outreach, and stricter regulations on the practice of traditional healing are necessary steps to reduce the incidence of such crimes.
The government, religious institutions, and civil society organizations all have roles to play in dispelling myths surrounding money rituals and in promoting alternative, lawful ways of pursuing success and wealth. In the long run, building resilience against harmful superstitions and encouraging families to prioritize education and well-being over magical thinking could help prevent future tragedies like this one.
The arrest of Solomon Fabiyi for allegedly attempting to use his nephew for money rituals has shocked the people of Ekiti State and raised questions about the role of traditional healing practices in perpetuating such beliefs. It is a grim reminder of the dark side of superstition and the lengths some individuals are willing to go in their pursuit of wealth. The case also highlights the vulnerability of children in situations where trust is betrayed by family members.
As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, it is hoped that justice will be served, and that this case will serve as a wake-up call for the authorities and society at large to take stronger action against the dangerous and illegal practice of money rituals in Nigeria.
Source:LIB
