A man identified as Godtimes Okpedesiwe, who was accused of absconding with his two-year-old child and failing to honor a police invitation, reportedly took human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu and others to the infamous Okija Shrine in Anambra State instead of complying with lawful procedures.
According to reports, Okpedesiwe forcibly took the child from the mother, his estranged wife, and went into hiding. A petition was subsequently filed at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba, Delta State, calling for his arrest not only for the abduction of the child but also for other alleged offenses.
Rather than respond to the police invitation, Okpedesiwe allegedly summoned Gwamnishu and others to the Okija Shrine—an act many have condemned as a form of intimidation and obstruction of justice. Trial by ordeal, including the use of shrines for dispute resolution, is prohibited under Nigerian law. Section 207(i) of the Criminal Code criminalizes such practices, labeling them as unlawful and punishable offenses.
In a further twist, Okpedesiwe reportedly fled the country to Ghana with the child, while allegedly issuing recorded threats to Gwamnishu during phone conversations.
After several interventions and increased pressure, Okpedesiwe returned the child to the mother on Monday. Human rights advocates, legal practitioners, and members of the public are now calling on law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served.
