A tragic incident unfolded in Enugu State on Thursday when 23-year-old Chiemelie Nnaji drowned during a spiritual cleansing ritual at the Mmiri Ani River in the Obiagu area of the state. Known by locals for roasting pork and chicken in front of a popular motel, Chiemelie was said to have been undergoing a rite led by his mother, a well-known traditional spiritualist referred to as Ezenwanyi, who was preparing him to inherit her spiritual practice.
The ritual, held in the river’s chest-deep waters, turned fatal when Chiemelie, who reportedly had a history of epilepsy, suffered a seizure during the process. Eyewitnesses say his mother was using a live native fowl for incantations when the seizure struck. Rather than intervening, she allegedly continued chanting while her son struggled in the water. A female client, who was part of the spiritual session, reportedly raised an alarm but was initially ignored by the spiritualist.
Locals rushed to the riverbank after hearing cries for help and were able to pull Chiemelie out of the water. At that time, he was still breathing, according to witnesses. However, their efforts to save him were thwarted as two hospitals reportedly declined to admit him. He was eventually taken to a third hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Enugu State Police Command, through the Ogui Police Division, has arrested Ezenwanyi in connection with the incident. Police sources suggest that investigations are ongoing, and charges could range from criminal negligence to involuntary manslaughter. At the time of reporting, the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, had not issued an official statement.
Residents who knew Chiemelie described him as a hardworking and cheerful young man who never let his condition define him. His sudden and tragic death has left many in the Obiagu community devastated and angry, especially given the circumstances.
