Ondo: Mob lynches man for allegedly beheading teenage brother for rituals

A community in Odigbo, Ondo State, has been thrown into shock and mourning following a horrifying incident in which a 26-year-old man, identified simply as Daniel, was lynched by enraged residents for allegedly beheading his younger brother, Emmanuel, for suspected ritual purposes.

The disturbing event unfolded in Odigbo Local Government Area, where both siblings—reportedly sons of a senior police officer serving in the area—lived.

According to Gazzettepost, the chilling news of Emmanuel’s murder spread rapidly, fuelling anger and fear among locals. Outraged by the gruesome nature of the crime, an irate mob quickly descended on Daniel, beating him to death before security forces could arrive at the scene.

According to a resident, Roland Akinkunmi, Daniel had lured Emmanuel to the banks of the Origbara River, a secluded area in the community, and then severed his head.

“An indigene of the town who was trying to cross the river saw Daniel trying to conceal a human head in a black bag,” Mr Akinkunmi said.

“I was at the palace when I heard people shouting from the direction of the Origbara River. When I arrived, I saw Daniel holding a severed head. At first, I didn’t realise it was his brother’s. I was in shock.”

Mr Akinkunmi added that while the two siblings had reportedly argued earlier in the day, the motive behind the murder appears to go beyond a simple quarrel.

“Some neighbours mentioned that the brothers had a disagreement, but no one expected this.

“In this town, anyone who sheds blood for rituals or any reason is usually exposed. We are devastated,” he said.

Residents said the family is not originally from the community but has lived there peacefully until now.

Spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident.

”The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered an immediate investigation.

“The case has been directed to be transferred to the SCID for further and discreet investigation,” Mr Ayanlade stated.

He assured that the command would undertake a thorough investigation.