19-Year-Old Native Doctor Arrested for Client’s Death During Anti-Bullet Charm Test

In a tragic turn of events, a 19-year-old native doctor, Timothy Dauda, has been apprehended by the police in Edo State for allegedly causing the death of his client, Alex Ezekiel, during an attempt to test an “anti-bullet” charm. The incident, confirmed by SP Moses Yamu, the Public Relations Officer for the state’s police command, occurred on August 20 in the Onumu Community, near Igara in the Akoko Edo Local Government Area.

The Fatal Incident

According to the details provided by the police, Ezekiel had visited Dauda’s residence to obtain a charm purportedly designed to protect against gunshots and machete cuts. However, during a demonstration intended to prove the charm’s effectiveness, Dauda reportedly fired a gun at his client. The charm failed to work as promised, resulting in Ezekiel sustaining fatal injuries.

Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital in Igarra, Ezekiel was pronounced dead upon arrival, leaving the community in shock and raising serious concerns about the practices of traditional healers who claim to possess supernatural protective powers.

Arrest and Investigation

The Igarra Divisional Police Station quickly responded to the incident, leading to Dauda’s arrest. As investigations continue, the young native doctor remains in police custody, with charges expected to be filed following the completion of the investigation.

This case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the dangers associated with the belief in and reliance on traditional charms for protection against modern weaponry. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to prosecuting the case fully, emphasizing the importance of discouraging such practices that pose severe risks to life.

Broader Implications

The incident has sparked a debate about the prevalence of traditional practices in rural areas and the need for greater awareness regarding the limitations and potential hazards of such methods. The police have urged the public to seek legitimate forms of protection and avoid putting their lives in the hands of unverified traditional beliefs.