Imo family at war over voodoo

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

In the quiet village of Ndionyeaguru, Awa, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, a family’s harmony has been shattered by accusations of voodoo practice. The fallout has left the Ottis – a once-close-knit family – pitted against one other, with allegations of witchcraft, property destruction, and police brutality flying thick and fast.

At the centre of the storm is Joseph Otti, a visually impaired elder, who claims his US-based younger brother, Hilary Otti, hired thugs to destroy his home and farm crops on December 27, 2025. Joseph accused his younger brother, Hilary, of witchcraft.

“My properties and farm crops were destroyed by thugs allegedly hired by my younger brother,” Joseph said, adding that his eight children were beaten and his wife detained at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base) in Owerri for five days.

However, a family member, Vivian Otti, painted a different picture. She dismissed Joseph’s allegations as “false and misleading,” claiming that Joseph and his wife brought a deity (Agbara) into the family compound, sparking community tension. Vivian said the traditional ruler, Eze Ihezie Felix Ononuju, intervened by ordering the removal of the deity, leading to a confrontation between Joseph’s family and community vigilantes.

The fallout had left Joseph and his family homeless, with his wife still recovering from the ordeal. “We are currently being harboured by a friend in Owerri,” Joseph said, appealing to the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, and the Imo State Government for intervention.

Meanwhile, the case has sparked outrage from the Director, Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), Dr. Leo Igwe, who condemned the police’s handling of the situation, saying it resulted in “double victimisation of the accused persons.” He called for an investigation into the matter, to ensure justice for the victims.

As the Ottis’ story unfolds, questions linger about the role of traditional practices, family dynamics, and law enforcement in perpetuating conflicts. With both sides making different claims, the truth remains elusive – but the pain and divisions are all too real.