Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have arrested a popular barber, identified simply as Emeka, after a clay pot containing human hair and suspected fetish objects was allegedly discovered in his residence in Umuahia.
The suspect was apprehended on Tuesday following a complaint reportedly lodged by his neighbour, Johnson Ikenga, who accused him of making threats against him.
Police officers who searched the barber’s one-room apartment during the arrest reportedly recovered a clay pot stuffed with human hair alongside other items suspected to be used for ritual purposes.
Sources said Emeka admitted ownership of the pot during interrogation but allegedly failed to explain the purpose of the items or how the human hair came into his possession.
The discovery has stirred concerns among residents, with some alleging that the hair may have been collected from customers who visited the barber’s shop.
The suspect was subsequently taken to the Central Police Station in Umuahia, where detectives have commenced investigations into the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the Abia State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the arrest or the items recovered from the suspect’s residence.
Police said the outcome of the ongoing investigation would determine the circumstances surrounding the discovery and whether any criminal offence was committed.