The Enugu State Police Command has begun an investigation into a viral video showing the alleged trial by ordeal and assault of an elderly woman in Nkanu East Local Government Area, with detectives now working to track down the suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to take over the probe after the footage circulated widely online. The incident reportedly occurred in Amafu Village, Ugbawka.
The victim has been identified as Chinenye Okonkwo, who is about 60 years old.
According to the police, operatives from the Nkanu East Divisional Headquarters visited Mrs Okonkwo and obtained her statement following the emergence of the video. Preliminary findings indicate that she was subjected to severe abuse, including being forced to eat human faeces. Her attackers allegedly accused her of witchcraft and of being responsible for the death of her husband’s brother’s wife.
The police said the perpetrators are currently at large, but efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest them.
CP Giwa condemned the violence and degrading treatment allegedly meted out to the woman. He ordered a thorough investigation and stepped up efforts to apprehend the suspects and any accomplices.
The Commissioner also warned residents against jungle justice and other forms of self-help, assuring the public that anyone found culpable in the case would face the full weight of the law.
