Alleged manhood disappearance sparks rights concerns as police probe incident

A disturbing video circulating online has ignited fresh concerns over mob justice and vigilante brutality in Nigeria's Rivers State. The footage depicts a man, identified as Daso, being physically assaulted and interrogated by members of the Onelga Security Peace and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) on suspicion of causing another man's genitals to disappear.

The incident reportedly occurred in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area, after a man accused Daso of causing his genitals to shrink and become non-functional through supernatural means, shortly after Daso allegedly begged him for money. A local advocate familiar with the case stated that the accuser initially seized Daso, claiming his genitals had vanished upon physical contact. A crowd gathered, and before OSPAC operatives intervened, the suspect was already being assaulted.

Instead of protecting the accused, OSPAC operatives allegedly tied Daso's hands, interrogated him, and subjected him to physical abuse to extract a confession. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) rights group condemned the incident, labeling the allegation as baseless and demanding the prosecution of those involved in the assault. AfAW reported that Daso sustained head injuries and had his clothes torn.

Both parties were taken to a local police station. According to AfAW, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was absent upon their arrival, and Daso was detained while the accuser was released. The following day, the DPO reportedly told both parties that the police do not investigate mystical matters but warned that the dispute could be taken to court if unresolved. The Rivers State Police Command confirmed officers rescued Daso from a mob attack, stating he was already "seriously beaten" when they arrived.

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When the police got wind of the matter, they went in and rescued the man from mob action. When the police went there, he was already seriously beaten. So, the police had to rescue him.