The Anti-Cult Alliance Movement (ACAM) has sent a passionate petition to the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Tunji Disu, warning that citizens in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, may resort to self-help if urgent action is not taken over the suspicious death of a retired police officer and the violent attacks on his family.

The petition, dated April 20, 2026, and addressed to the IGP through the Police Complaint Response Unit, accused the 135 Police Divisional Headquarters, Ohaukwu, of “bias and dangerous delay” in a case involving alleged homicide, kidnapping, torture, and attempted arson.

“He Died Crying for Help”

At the center of the storm is Mr. Uto Ezekiel Attah, popularly called “Wizzy Guy” or “Sanga,” who retired from the Nigeria Police Force after 35 years of service.

According to ACAM, Ezekiel attended a family meeting on March 1, 2026, over burial arrangements for his elder brother, Elias Uto. That midnight, he woke up screaming “my head, my head!” and lost his voice. He died five days later on March 7, 2026.

“Before his death, he cried out that his paternal half-brothers were threatening his life over the property his father willed to him,” ACAM wrote. “He said they wanted to kill him for his inheritance. Did anyone listen?”

Secret Burial Plot, Kidnapping, Torture

Within hours of Ezekiel’s death, the same group of half-brothers allegedly moved to bury him without his wife and children. The plan collapsed only when his first son, Chukwudi Uto, arrived from Lagos and deposited the corpse at Ngbo Comprehensive Hospital Mortuary.

Days later, during Elias’ wake on March 10, 2026, the group allegedly attacked Ezekiel’s junior brother, Simon Oselebe Uto.

The petition states:

“They stripped Ezekiel’s junior brother, Simon Oselebe Uto, naked. They tied his hands and legs to his back and tortured him all through the night till March 11, 2026. They burned him with melted nylon. They poured dry gin on his open wounds. They beat him with wood and cane, vowing to kill him unless he surrendered the mortuary documents” for the corpse of Ezekiel.

Simon, who buried his wife less than a year ago and lost two elder brothers in January and March 2026, was rescued after police were alerted. Two other relatives, Emeka Eze and John Esheya, were also assaulted when they intervened. John was left “in a pool of his own blood” and rushed to Dr. Aguyi Abel Clinic.

Mortuary Under Siege, ‘Spiritual Burial’ Conducted

On March 10 and 11, 2026, the group allegedly stormed Ngbo Comprehensive Hospital Mortuary with a casket, assaulted staff, and threatened to burn the facility down if Ezekiel’s corpse was not released to them.

“It took the deployment of the 135 Police Division to stop bloodshed. The corpse is now in police custody — but for how long?” ACAM asked.

After failing to secure the body, the group allegedly conducted a “spiritual burial” using Ezekiel’s photograph and “diabolical rituals” without his children present.

“The Police Protect the Money Bag”

ACAM accused the DPO of 135 Division, Ohaukwu, of inaction, saying it sends a message that “You are on your own” to victims and “You are above the law” to suspects.

“IGP, we beg you: Do not let the people of Ohaukwu resort to self-help. Already, the brothers of Emeka are resorting to self-help and the police are so quick to respond, chasing after the real victims… detaining them for fighting back,” the petition reads.

“Every day you delay, the message spreads: ‘The police protect the money bag with body language like, policing is not cheap. Go sort yourself out.’ That is how communities descend into anarchy.”

ACAM’s Demands to IGP

The group listed four urgent prayers:

1. SEND FCID TO OHAUKWU NOW: “Take this case from 135 Division immediately. Their bias is clear. Their delay is dangerous.”

2. ARREST THE GANG OF BROTHERS: Named suspects include Uto Felix, Uto Solomon, Uto Kenneth Ozioko, Uto Stanley Oguji, Uto Chikezie, Uto John Ajim, Uto Moses, Uto Ejike, and their alleged leader, Uto Emmanuel Eze.

3. PROTECT THE LIVING: Immediate police protection for Ezekiel’s wives, children, brothers Simon Oselebe Uto, Emeka Eze, John Esheya, and mortuary attendants.

4. TELL 135 DIVISION: THE POLICE IS NOT FOR HIRE: Direct the DPO in writing that “preferential treatment for criminals ends today.”

“You Are the Last Hope Before Self-Help”

The petition, signed by ACAM National Coordinator Akin Okunowo and National Secretary Yinka Abayomi, concludes with a stark warning:

“A retired police officer died crying ‘my head.’ His brother was tied like a ram and burned with fire. His children were almost denied their father’s corpse. And the police station closest to them has become a spectator.

“If you do not intervene now, IGP, what do we tell the youth of Ohaukwu? That the law is for the rich? That the station belongs to the highest bidder? That they should buy guns instead of writing petitions?”

ACAM said it has witnesses, medical reports, videos, and documents ready to submit.

Police Yet to Respond

As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force and the Ebonyi State Police Command have not issued statements on the petition or the allegations against 135 Division, Ohaukwu.

Ezekiel Attah’s corpse remains in police custody.