Police arrest man for allegedly killing his brother accused of witchcraft in Adamawa

Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man, John Clerkson, for allegedly killing his elder brother who was accused of witchcraft in the Zarbu community, Guyuk Local Government Area of the state.

Spokesperson of the state Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, who confirmed the arrest said the incident happened on August 29, 2023.

The suspect allegedly killed his 57-year-old elder brother, Mohammed Clerkson, a father of 8, during a quarrel over allegations of bewitching the wife of his son, Robert Mohammed. 

It was gathered that the suspect accosted Mohammed and accused him of ‘catching the spirit’ of Robert’s wife as a result of which she fainted. 

When news went around that Mohammed was allegedly the witch wreaking havoc on the inhabitants of the community, residents besieged his house with their sick family members, asking him to release their spirits.

It was further gathered that a brawl ensued between the suspect and the deceased when the former demanded an explanation concerning the allegations of bewitching Robert’s wife and other sick people. 

According to the police, John denied being responsible for his brother’s death, and claimed that Mohammed was stoned to death by youths of the community.

SP Nguroje advised residents of rural communities to take their sick relatives to medical centres for treatment and avoid taking the laws into their own hands.