A human rights advocacy group has called on Hope Uzodinma to intervene in what it described as repeated harassment and intimidation of a blind traditionalist, Joseph Ottih, and his family in Imo State.
The organisation, Advocacy for Alleged Witches, claimed that officers attached to the Tiger Base police unit have persistently targeted the family, allegedly due to Ottih’s adherence to traditional African religious practices.
According to the group, these actions have caused emotional distress and financial strain on the household.
In December last year, the group stated, police reportedly conducted a raid on Ottih’s residence in Oguta following petitions from some of his relatives.
During the operation, officers allegedly removed religious objects, including a sacred Agwu deity, which the family said are central to their spiritual practice.
The complaints reportedly came from Christian members of the extended family.
“Joseph Ottih is a visually impaired man devoted to his traditional faith. His wife and son remain in detention over questionable claims,” said Leo Igwe, the group’s director.
He described the police action as unnecessary and a clear infringement on religious freedom in Imo.
The situation reportedly escalated in January when Ottih’s wife, Obiageri, was arrested and detained for five days.
The family claims she was held in the trunk of a vehicle before being released upon payment of ₦150,000. The advocacy group described her detention as humiliating and unlawful.
Their son, Uchenna, remains in custody, according to the organisation, and there have been alleged attempts to arrest other family members, including their daughter, Favour.
The group maintains that these repeated actions are part of a broader pattern of intimidation rather than legitimate law enforcement.
In addition to detentions, the group accused the Tiger Base police of refusing to formally charge the Ottihs in court.
Instead, they claim officers repeatedly summoned family members for questioning while allegedly demanding money from them.
“This type of conduct has placed a severe burden on the Ottih family,” Igwe said.
The advocacy group also alleged that Ottih’s mobile phone was seized, restricting communication with legal representatives.
Despite multiple visits to the state police command and the Tiger Base station by Ottih and his lawyer, efforts to secure the release of detained family members or formal charges have reportedly failed.
The statement singled out the Officer in Charge, Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and an investigating officer known as Chikadibia, alleging that appeals to them were ignored.
The organisation argued that such inaction erodes public confidence in law enforcement and creates an atmosphere of impunity in Imo.
Calling the situation a case of religious persecution, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches emphasised that Ottih and his family have a constitutional right to practise their faith freely.
“The Ottih family should not be subjected to intimidation or harassment because of their religious beliefs,” Igwe said, highlighting the legal protections afforded to all Nigerian citizens.
The group warned that failure to address such incidents could embolden further discriminatory practices.
It urged the governor to ensure that police officers act within the law and respect the constitutional rights of the family.
“The authorities must investigate these allegations and prevent any future violations of the Ottih family’s rights,” Igwe said.
He also stressed that religious tolerance is essential to social harmony, especially in communities like Oguta, where traditional faiths remain deeply rooted.
The advocacy organisation called for transparency and accountability from the police in Imo State.
It further suggested that the situation serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting indigenous religions in Nigeria.
Freedom of religion, the group noted, is a cornerstone of the nation’s constitution and should be enforced impartially.
Observers say that if the allegations are verified, the case could highlight systemic issues in how law enforcement treats practitioners of traditional religions.
They argued that government intervention is critical to prevent further intimidation and ensure justice for all citizens, regardless of their faith.
The situation in Imo has sparked debate about religious freedom, law enforcement, and human rights in Nigeria.
Advocates insist that the state must take measures to safeguard the Ottih family and prevent further harassment, reinforcing constitutional protections for traditional religious practitioners across the country.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches concluded by urging Governor Uzodinma to take swift action, emphasizing that the Ottih family’s safety, dignity, and right to practise their faith must be preserved.
They warned that inaction could further undermine trust in the authorities and violate the principles of equality and justice in Imo State.
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