Adamawa: Family of 9-year-old Girl Murdered for Witchcraft Needs Justice

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches calls on state authorities in Adamawa to ensure that justice is done in the case of Eunice, a 9-year-old girl tortured to death for witchcraft in April this year. Information reaching the AfAW is that all is not well with the matter. Family sources are deeply worried about the way the authorities in Adamawa are handling the case. They are concerned that justice is being delayed and if care is not taken, justice would be denied. Following the murder of Eunice in April, the matter was reported to the police, and the couple that allegedly tortured Eunice to death, that is the father and stepmother, were arrested and remanded.

Weeks ago, family sources informed AfAW that the woman had been released from prison. But on further inquiries, AfAW was told that the woman had given birth in prison, and the Chief Judge decided to release her on bail during a prison visit so that she could take care of the baby. We were later told that the woman could not be traced since she had been released on bail.

In addition, the state prosecutor noted that the matter had been transferred from Yola to Mubi. No cogent reason was stated for this transfer. As it stands now the family of Eunice is in the dark regarding the status of the case. Eunice's mother said she has been receiving threats from the relatives of the ex-husband. She said that they had been pressuring her to withdraw the case. She told AfAW that relatives of the ex-husband are doing whatever they can to undermine the prosecution of the couple. For instance, the last time the case came up, Eunice's family was not notified and could not attend. They claimed that Eunice's father was brought to the court but the prosecuting lawyer was absent. The family is worried that the court may dismiss the case and acquit the couple.

The government of Adamawa should understand that the case of Eunice is a test case, and the world is watching to see how Adamawa would handle it. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches and other concerned organizations are closely monitoring the case of Eunice. We join the family in expressing dismay over the handling of the matter. It is unfortunate that 6 months since Eunice was tortured to death the prosecution of the couple said to be responsible has not effectively started. And there is no good reason for the wait and delay. The case of Eunice will show the world if Adamawa is committed to protecting the rights of children; and if the state can combat abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs. The government should expedite the trial of the couple charged with murdering Eunice and ensure that Eunice and her family get justice.

Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches.