A young woman, identified as Aladi Ogwuche, also known by her social media name Itz Tessy, was found dead under disturbing circumstances in a hotel located in the Gwarinpa area of Abuja, Nigeria.
The victim, a native of Benue State from the Idoma ethnic group, was reportedly discovered with her hands bound and her eyes removed, raising serious concerns that the murder may have been carried out as part of a ritualistic killing.
The incident occurred earlier this week and has since drawn significant public attention, both online and in local communities. Preliminary reports suggest that the murder may be linked to ritual practices associated with cybercrime syndicates, commonly referred to in Nigeria as “Yahoo Yahoo” operations. These operations are often accused of engaging in occult practices to supposedly boost their illicit activities.
Authorities have yet to release a formal statement identifying any suspects or confirming whether arrests have been made. Investigations are said to be ongoing, but the police have not disclosed any specific leads or motives beyond the suspicion of ritual involvement. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has also not issued a public comment on the progress of the case.
The victim was reportedly staying at the hotel when the incident occurred. Her body was discovered by hotel staff, who immediately contacted law enforcement. Upon arrival, officers found the woman lifeless, with her hands tied and her eyes gruesomely removed. The state of the body led investigators to believe that the killing was not a random act of violence, but rather a calculated and ritualistic murder.
News of the killing has sparked outrage on social media, particularly among residents of Abuja and people from Benue State. Many users have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to demand swift justice and to highlight the growing insecurity in the capital. The gruesome nature of the crime has also prompted renewed conversations about the dangers of ritual killings and the role of cybercrime-related occult practices in Nigeria.
Several advocacy groups have called on authorities to intensify investigations and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Human rights organizations are also urging the police to consider the broader implications of ritual killings, which have been linked to various criminal enterprises in the country, including internet fraud and human trafficking.
Family members of the deceased have expressed deep sorrow and frustration, stating that Tessy was a vibrant young woman with dreams and aspirations. They are appealing to the government and the public for assistance in ensuring that her killers are held accountable.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed several high-profile cases of suspected ritual killings, many of which remain unresolved. Such crimes are often fueled by the belief that human body parts can be used in rituals to gain wealth, power, or protection. Despite repeated crackdowns and public awareness campaigns, the trend has persisted, with many victims being women lured through dating apps or social media.
The Gwarinpa community, one of the more developed residential areas in Abuja, has also expressed alarm at the nature of the crime. Residents say the incident highlights a growing concern about security in what is considered one of the capital’s safer neighborhoods. Some are now calling for increased surveillance and tighter regulations on hotel operations in the area.
As the investigation continues, the case of Aladi Ogwuche remains under close public and media scrutiny. Authorities are being urged to act swiftly and transparently to not only solve the case but to also send a strong message against ritual violence and the criminal networks allegedly tied to such acts.
