Police in Umuahia, Abia State, have arrested a barber after finding a clay pot filled with human hair and other items believed to be for rituals inside his home.
The suspect, identified only as Emeka, was arrested on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, in his one-room apartment in the Umuolege/Azuahia area of Umuahia North Local Government Area.Watch Video Here
His neighbour, Mr Johnson Ikenga, reported him to the police. Ikenga said Emeka had been threatening him. Some reports also claimed the barber tried to hire someone to harm him. When officers arrived to arrest Emeka, they searched his room and discovered what looked like a secret shrine. Inside was a native clay pot packed with shaved human hair and other fetish items.
When police questioned him, Emeka admitted the pot belonged to him. However, he could not clearly explain where the hair came from or what he used the items for. Many residents in the area believe the hair belonged to customers who had their hair cut at his barbing shop.
The Abia State Police Command has not yet released an official statement on the matter. Emeka was taken to the Central Police Station in Umuahia, where detectives are still investigating the case.
The story has spread quickly on social media, especially on X (Twitter). Many people expressed shock and fear. One user wrote that things are getting strange these days and that people must stay careful. Others warned that hair, nails and other body parts left at salons can be dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands. Some praised the neighbour for reporting the threats early, saying it helped the police uncover the shrine. A few comments simply said the discovery was disturbing and called for thorough investigation so the full truth can come out.