Abia Police Arrest Barber Over Alleged Possession of Customers’ Hair for Ritual Purposes

Police in Abia State have arrested a barber in Umuahia over allegations that he kept customers’ hair for ritual purposes after officers reportedly discovered a clay pot containing human hair and other suspected fetish items in his residence.

The suspect, identified simply as Emeka, was arrested on Tuesday following a complaint by his neighbour, Mr. Johnson Ikenga, who alleged that the barber had threatened him.

According to reports, police officers searched Emeka’s one-room apartment during the arrest and allegedly recovered a clay pot filled with human hair alongside other items suspected to be associated with ritual practices.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted ownership of the clay pot but was unable to explain the purpose of the items or how he came into possession of the human hair.

The discovery has sparked concern among residents of the area, with some expressing fears that the recovered hair could belong to customers who had visited the barber for haircuts.

As of the time of filing this report, the Abia State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The suspect has been taken to the Central Police Station in Umuahia, where investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the recovered items and whether any criminal offences were committed.