Kwara Community Chief Imam Lynched Over Witchcraft Allegations; Three Suspects Detained

The Chief Imam of Sokupkpan community in the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Abdulahi Audu, was reportedly lynched by angry residents who accused him of being responsible for the death of a fellow resident, Ibrahim Gana.

According to sources, the fatal incident on Wednesday was the climax of rising tension in the community. Before his death, the deceased, Ibrahim Gana, had repeatedly claimed that the Chief Imam was the “spiritual cause of his illness,” alleging he frequently saw the cleric attacking him in his dreams.

As Gana’s health deteriorated, suspicion spread, leading residents to believe the Chief Imam was practicing witchcraft against him. When Gana eventually died, a group of angry youths concluded that Imam Audu was responsible.

On Wednesday, the tension erupted into mob violence. The Chief Imam was attacked in broad daylight, despite intervention attempts by community elders. The mob allegedly beat him to death, accusing him of killing Gana through witchcraft.

Authorities from the Tsaragi Police Division quickly mobilized to the scene following reports of the lynching.

Police have detained three prime suspects believed to have led the vicious attack: Mohammed Shaba, Mamudu Gana, and Ndakpotun Issa.

The remains of the slain Chief Imam, Abdulahi Audu, were buried according to Islamic rites on Wednesday evening, amid palpable tension in the community.

The Kwara State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the killing and the arrests.