Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria – The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man, Solomon Fabiyi, for allegedly attempting to use his seven-year-old nephew, Jomiloju, for a money ritual.
According to the state police spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, Fabiyi was taken into custody on Friday, February 14, 2025, after officers received a tip-off about his intentions.
The suspect, who resides with his parents and the victim in Ado-Ekiti, was reportedly apprehended before he could carry out the act.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Abutu confirmed that Fabiyi had confessed to the crime and had already been arraigned.
“He was arrested by our operatives on Friday, 14th February 2025, at about 19:00 hours through a tip-off while he was on the verge of using his nephew for a money ritual,” Abutu said.
Confession and Investigation
A viral video circulating on social media shows Fabiyi admitting that a local herbalist had instructed him to find someone for the ritual.
According to Fabiyi, the herbalist assured him that the victim would not die but would suffer from an ailment that would generate wealth for him.
However, in an unexpected turn of events, the same herbalist who allegedly gave Fabiyi the instructions reported him to the police.
Upon seeing Fabiyi bring the child for the ritual, the herbalist became alarmed and decided to alert authorities, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Sources indicate that the police are also investigating the herbalist’s role in the case and whether he has been involved in similar criminal activities in the past.
Public Outrage and Police Warning
The arrest has sparked outrage among residents of Ado-Ekiti and beyond, with many expressing shock over Fabiyi’s willingness to sacrifice his own nephew for financial gain.
Some social media users have called for stricter measures against ritual-related crimes in the country, as cases of human sacrifice linked to money-making rituals have been on the rise.
The police have reassured the public that justice will be served. SP Abutu emphasized the command’s commitment to tackling ritual-related crimes and urged residents to remain vigilant.
“This is a disturbing case, and we urge members of the public to report any suspicious activities in their communities. The safety of our citizens, especially vulnerable children, remains our priority,” he added.
Legal Proceedings
Fabiyi has since been arraigned in court, where he faces charges related to attempted murder and conspiracy to commit a crime. Legal experts suggest that if found guilty, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.
The case has reignited discussions about the dangers of ritual practices and the need for better public awareness and law enforcement measures to combat such acts.
Meanwhile, Jomiloju, the young victim, is said to be in safe custody with his family, and authorities have assured that he is receiving psychological support to recover from the traumatic experience.
The police have reiterated their appeal to parents and guardians to be extra cautious in protecting their children from individuals who may attempt to exploit them for criminal purposes.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
