Ignorance not excuse: Anambra Police warns against trial by ordeal

Anambra State Police Command has warned members of the public, especially Ndi Anambra, that ignorance of the law is not an excuse to evade justice.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, while the Command respects cultural values and traditional beliefs, it strongly warned against engaging in unlawful practices, particularly trial by ordeal.

The practice, which forces an accused person to undergo painful or dangerous tests to “prove” innocence or guilt, is illegal, inhuman, criminal, and punishable under Nigerian Law.

Section 207 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, expressly prohibits trial by ordeal. It provides that any person who directs, takes part in, or submits another person to trial by ordeal is guilty of a felony and liable to imprisonment.

Consequently, the Police Command emphasized that justice must be sought and obtained only through legal courts of competent jurisdiction, not through harmful traditional practices such as forcing a suspect to drink poison or harmful substances, making someone dip their hand in boiling water, holding dangerous objects, or undergoing other violent acts to “test” survival.

Anyone found participating in, or subjecting others to, trial by ordeal, will face the full weight of the Law.

The Command, therefore, urges residents to report such unlawful acts to the nearest police station or through the Command’s Control Number: 07039194332 or the PRO 08039334002, as the safety, dignity, and rights of every citizen remain a top priority.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, further assured Ndi Anambra that the Command will continue to enforce the Law without fear or favour and will not tolerate any acts capable of undermining the safety and security of the State.