Chair, Critical Thinking Social Empowerment Foundation, Director Advocacy for Alleged Witches
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Articles by Leo Igwe
Genital theft and other bizarre beliefs: the humanist struggle for reason and human rights in Africa
Leo Igwe at the World Humanist Congress in Copenhagen, August 2023. Photo by David Warden. By Dr Leo Igwe Across Africa, accusations of witchcraft and beliefs in supernatural powers can have devastating consequences, including persecution, imprisonment and murder. Nigerian humanist campaigner Leo Igwe describes the human cost of religious dogma and harmful superstition, and explains why humanist resistance, grounded in reason, evidence and compassion, is urgently needed.
Witchcraft Rumors and Persecution: A Case for Critical Thinking and Philosophy for Children in Malawi
By Leo Igwe The recent incident of witchcraft accusation in Malawi underscores the danger of superstitions but also the imperative of fostering critical thinking and philosophical inquiry in schools. This instance of allegation involved pupils who accused their teacher of practicing ‘witchcraft’ at Mpamba Primary School in Nkhata Bay.
Witch hunt in Enugu: AfAW welcomes Medical Treatment of Victim and Police Investigation of Incident
By Leo Igwe The Advocacy for Alleged Witches, in collaboration with the Ministry for Gender and Women Affairs, is sponsoring a medical examination of the woman accused and abused for witchcraft in Enugu, southern Nigeria. This intervention underscores the group’s zero tolerance of witch hunts and its commitment to ending abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs and ritual attacks in Nigeria.
Witch hunt in Enugu: AfAW welcomes Medical Treatment of Victim and Police Investigation of Incident
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches, in collaboration with the Ministry for Gender and Women Affairs, is sponsoring a medical examination of the woman accused and abused for witchcraft in Enugu, southern Nigeria. This intervention underscores the group's zero tolerance of witch hunts and its commitment to ending abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs and ritual attacks in Nigeria. AfAW advocates met with the state commissioner for Gender yesterday, and she pledged to help rehabilitate the victim.
From Blasphemy Laws to Witch Hunts, Leo Igwe Makes a Case for Freedom of Belief [MUST READ]
Thank you, Madam, for the opportunity, and thank you, Government of the Netherlands, for your commitment to protecting and defending the freedom of religion or belief around the globe. Let me congratulate you, Madam, on your recent appointment as the Dutch Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). Your appointment comes at a time of growing concern over religion-linked abuses around the world.
FoRB,. Humanism and Witch Persecution in Nigeria
Thank you, Madam, for the opportunity, and thank you, Government of the Netherlands, for your commitment to protecting and defending the freedom of religion or belief around the globe. Let me congratulate you, Madam, on your recent appointment as the Dutch Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief(FoRB). Your appointment comes at a time of growing concern over religion-linked abuses around the world.
FoRB: Airports and Discrimination Against Minority Faith and Belief Groups in Nigeria
Nigeria must end official discrimination against minority faith and belief groups. The entrenched exclusion of citizens who are neither Christians nor muslims is evident at the airports. Existing statistics say that Nigeria is predominantly Christian and Muslim, with millions of the population professing, believing, or praying the Christian or Islamic way. But it is well known that many of those counted and identified as Christians and muslims in Nigeria do not profess these faiths.
Witchcraft Accusation: Those Who Subjected a Woman to Inhuman and Degrading Treatment in Enugu Should Be Brought to Justice
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges Nigerian state authorities to bring to justice those who abused and violated the rights of an elderly woman in Enugu, Southern Nigeria. In a video that circulated on social media and was forwarded to AfAW two days ago, a local mob was seen parading a woman with some palm fronds in a community in Enugu. She was allegedly branded a witch. On receiving the video.
Samalia Bala’s arrest in Nigeria for witchcraft is a travesty – he must be released immediately
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) urges the Zamfara state government in Nigeria to release and compensate Mr Samalia Bala. Since June 2026, Bala has been accused and jailed by the Upper Sharia Court in Tsafe for ‘witchcraft and juju’, an ‘offence’ that has no basis in law. Sources in Zamfara told AfAW that Bala’s case has been ongoing since 2020. This is the third time that he has been imprisoned for the alleged offence.
Critical thinking, inquiry-based learning and educational revival in Africa
THE Edu Revive 2026 is a timely event that addresses the cogent needs of students, teachers and society. Early in the 21st century, the Nigerian, nay, the African educational system is in dire straits and needs rejuvenation. The state of education in Africa necessitates a rethink, some renewal. Contemporary developments around the globe compel a review and a reevaluation of teaching and learning modalities. Africa is still associated with underdevelopment and poverty.
Witch hunt in Zamfara: Free Samalia Bala
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges the Zamfara state government to release and compensate Mr Samalia Bala. Mr Bala has been accused and jailed by the Upper Sharia Court in Tsafe for 'witchcraft and juju', an 'offence' that has no basis in law,, since June 2026. Sources in Zamfara told AfAW that Bala's case has been ongoing since 2020. This is the third time that Bala has been imprisoned for the alleged offence.
On the Establishment of Philosophy Clubs in Primary and Secondary Schools
By Leo Igwe Philosophy for Children (P4C) is an educational movement that fosters critical thinking and inquiry-based learning in schools. This educational approach is provided in the National Policy on Education. For instance, on page 10, it states that primary education aims to inculcate scientific and critical thinking skills. While subjects and programs that encourage scientific thinking exist, there is no subject that teaches children to think critically or reason philosophically.
Hisbah, Sharia Enforcement and Witch Hunting in Zamfara
By Leo Igwe The Advocacy for Alleged Witches is concerned about a recent report that Hisbah arrested a woman, Khadija Abdullah, over alleged witchcraft activities. Hisbah is the sharia enforcement agency. Zamfara was the first to introduce sharia law in 1999. Hisbah officers took Ms Abdullah into custody in Gusau, which is the state capital. A Hisbah officer, Umar Tsafe, said Ms Abdullah was arrested following complaints from community leaders.
Jehovah's Witnesses Blood Transfusion Policy Still Poses Threat to Public Health
The Humanist Enabling Life Project (HELP) welcomes the recent announcement by the Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) to ease its position on blood transfusion. The shift brings relief to long-suffering members who need blood transfusions around the globe. But going by the details of the release, the move did not go far enough. JW policy on blood transfusion still poses a serious threat to public health worldwide.
Critical Thinking, Inquiry-Based Learning and Educational Revival in Africa
The Edu Revive 2026 is a timely event that addresses the cogent needs of students, teachers and society. Early in the 21st century, the Nigerian, nay, the African educational system is in dire straits and needs rejuvenation. The state of education in Africa necessitates a rethink, some renewal. Contemporary developments around the globe compel a review and a reevaluation of teaching and learning modalities. Africa is still associated with underdevelopment and poverty.
Hisbah, Sharia Enforcement and Witch Hunting in Zamfara
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches is concerned about a recent report that Hisbah arrested a woman, Khadija Abdullah, over alleged witchcraft activities. Hisbah is the sharia enforcement agency. Zamfara was the first to introduce sharia law in 1999. Hisbah officers took Ms Abdullah into custody in Gusau, which is the state capital. A Hisbah officer, Umar Tsafe, said Ms Abdullah was arrested following complaints from community leaders.
On the Establishment of Philosophy Clubs in Primary and Secondary Schools
Philosophy for Children (P4C) is an educational movement that fosters critical thinking and inquiry-based learning in schools. This educational approach is provided in the National Policy on Education. For instance, on page 10, it states that primary education aims to inculcate scientific and critical thinking skills. While subjects and programs that encourage scientific thinking exist, there is no subject that teaches children to think critically or reason philosophically.
Witch Persecution and Justice for Women in Zamfara
By Leo Igwe On August 18, 2026, the office of the National Human Rights Commission in Zamfara shared with the Advocacy for Alleged Witches a audio that recounted the plight of a woman accused of witchcraft in the state. The audio recorded what happened to the woman. It was narrated in Hausa. One of our advocates provided a translation. The audio says that the victim, an 85-year-old woman, was assaulted by family members. According to the narrator, another woman delivered a child.
Witch Persecution and Justice for Women in Zamfara -By Leo Igwe
On August 18, 2026, the office of the National Human Rights Commission in Zamfara shared with the Advocacy for Alleged Witches a audio that recounted the plight of a woman accused of witchcraft in the state. The audio recorded what happened to the woman. It was narrated in Hausa. One of our advocates provided a translation. The audio says that the victim, an 85-year-old woman, was assaulted by family members. According to the narrator, another woman delivered a child.
Witch Persecution and Justice for Women in Zamfara
On August 18, 2026, the office of the National Human Rights Commission in Zamfara shared with the Advocacy for Alleged Witches a audio that recounted the plight of a woman accused of witchcraft in the state. The audio recorded what happened to the woman. It was narrated in Hausa. One of our advocates provided a translation. The audio says that the victim, an 85-year-old woman, was assaulted by family members. According to the narrator, another woman delivered a child.
Pastors, Hawks, and Witch Hunts in Akwa Ibom
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches has drawn attention to aFacebook post by John Akpan. The post featured the following text: "There was a powerful deliverance in the church on Sunday, the second of August 2026. There, I was confronted by a strong demon physically, but my God overpowered the demon. Then, on Monday, third August 2026, this bird known as a hawk came; I discovered this powerful bird on top of an avocado tree in my compound.
Woman Accused of Witchcraft and Set Ablaze By Son Passes Away in Calabar Cross River State
By Leo Igwe The Advocacy for Alleged Witches is outraged over the death of Atim Emmanuel Akposi, also known as Atim Eyo. Her death underscores the vicious impact of witchcraft suspicion and accusation on innocent lives. Akposi’s son, Emmanuel, accused her of witchcraft. He claimed that the mother was responsible for the death of his child.
G20 health ministers rally support for WHO’s Investment Round
Ministers of Health expressed their support for WHO’s Investment Round during a G20 meeting chaired by Brazil held today in Rio de Janeiro.Source WHO
Woman Accused of Witchcraft and Set Ablaze By Son Passes Away in Calabar Cross River State
By Leo Igwe The Advocacy for Alleged Witches is outraged over the death of Atim Emmanuel Akposi, also known as Atim Eyo. Her death underscores the vicious impact of witchcraft suspicion and accusation on innocent lives. Akposi’s son, Emmanuel, accused her of witchcraft. He claimed that the mother was responsible for the death of his child.
Woman Accused of Witchcraft and Set Ablaze By Son Passes Away in Calabar Cross River State
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches is outraged over the death of Atim Emmanuel Akposi, also known as Atim Eyo. Her death underscores the vicious impact of witchcraft suspicion and accusation on innocent lives. Akposi's son, Emmanuel, accused her of witchcraft. He claimed that the mother was responsible for the death of his child.
WHO and Switzerland cement cooperation until 2028
WHO and Switzerland have announced the renewal of their cooperation strategy for the period 2024-2028. In 2013, Switzerland became the first high-income country in the WHO European Region to pilot a cooperation strategy with WHO (hereafter referred to as the WHO-Switzerland Cooperation Strategy). In 2022, WHO and Switzerland jointly decided to update and renew this cooperation strategy, which was done on 4 March 2025 at the Regional Office of the WHO in Copenhagen, Denmark.Source WHO
Teaching children to think: how Philosophy for Children is transforming education in Nigeria
Leo Igwe at the World Humanist Congress in Copenhagen, August 2023. Photo by David Warden. By Dr Leo Igwe How can schools prepare children not just to absorb knowledge, but to question, create and innovate? Drawing on his work with schools in Nigeria, Leo Igwe argues that critical and creative thinking should be taught from an early age.
WHO launches seven strategies to prevent drowning
Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, the World Health Organization (WHO) is launching a new technical package to help governments and communities implement seven proven measures to reduce drowning deaths. Nearly 300 000 people die from drowning each year worldwide, and drowning remains among the ten leading causes of death among children aged 5–14 years. Many of these deaths occur in rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water storage containers and swimming pools.
Ebonyi, revoke the bail of Elom Monday
By Leo Igwe The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges the Ebonyi state government to revoke the bail of Elom Monday. Mr. Monday and other suspects are being prosecuted for witchcraft-related offences in the state. Monday has been using various means to evade justice. Two days ago, he brought some police officers from Enugu and arrested a local chief and advocate, Chijioke Eze. Local sources told AfAW that the arrest took place after a court session in Abakiliki.
Ebonyi, revoke the bail of Elom Monday
By Leo Igwe The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges the Ebonyi state government to revoke the bail of Elom Monday. Mr. Monday and other suspects are being prosecuted for witchcraft-related offences in the state. Monday has been using various means to evade justice. Two days ago, he brought some police officers from Enugu and arrested a local chief and advocate, Chijioke Eze. Local sources told AfAW that the arrest took place after a court session in Abakiliki.
A Call to Ebonyi State Government: Urgently Revoke the Bail of Elom Monday [MUST READ]
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges the Ebonyi State government to revoke the bail of Elom Monday. Mr Monday and other suspects are being prosecuted for witchcraft-related offences in the state. Monday has been using various means to evade justice. Two days ago, he brought some police officers from Enugu and arrested a local chief and advocate, Chijioke Eze. Local sources told AfAW that the arrest took place after a court session in Abakiliki.
Ebonyi, revoke the bail of Elom Monday
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges the Ebonyi state government to revoke the bail of Elom Monday. Mr. Monday and other suspects are being prosecuted for witchcraft-related offences in the state. Monday has been using various means to evade justice. Two days ago, he brought some police officers from Enugu and arrested a local chief and advocate, Chijioke Eze. Local sources told AfAW that the arrest took place after a court session in Abakiliki.
Ebonyi, Revoke the Bail of Elom Monday -By Leo Igwe
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges the Ebonyi state government to revoke the bail of Elom Monday. Mr. Monday and other suspects are being prosecuted for witchcraft-related offences in the state. Monday has been using various means to evade justice. Two days ago, he brought some police officers from Enugu and arrested a local chief and advocate, Chijioke Eze. Local sources told AfAW that the arrest took place after a court session in Abakiliki.
Revenge Attacks and Witch Hunts in Ebonyi State
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches condemns revenge attacks against relatives of an accused person in Ebonyi state. Reports reaching AfAW say that a mob has attacked the children of Thomas Eze from Aguebele in Ohaukwu. Eze is a victim of a witch hunt in his community and one of the witnesses in the prosecution of suspects. He has always feared that suspects and their relatives would attack him and his family members in retaliation for their arrest and prosecution.
Revenge Attacks and Witch Hunts in Ebonyi State -By Leo Igwe
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches condemns revenge attacks against relatives of an accused person in Ebonyi state. Reports reaching AfAW say that a mob has attacked the children of Thomas Eze from Aguebele in Ohaukwu. Eze is a victim of a witch hunt in his community and one of the witnesses in the prosecution of suspects. He has always feared that suspects and their relatives would attack him and his family members in retaliation for their arrest and prosecution.
Alleged Penis Theft and Forced Confession in Rivers State
People accused of magically stealing people's genitals have often been beaten and made to admit to the offence. The case of Daso, from Ogan-Ama, Okrika Mainland, Rivers State, amply illustrates an anomaly. An advocate, Westkey Gogo, visited Daso shortly after the police released him on bail. He recounted to Mr Gogo what happened on Monday, 22 June 2026: "I went for football training in Igurita. While returning home, I passed a POS stand where I noticed a man staring at me.
Veronica Ngalasi Igwe: A Tribute to a Mother of Love, Giving and Forgiveness [MUST READ]
In this deeply personal tribute, Leo Igwe remembers his late mother, Veronica Ngalasi Igwe, as a woman whose life was defined by uncommon love, sacrifice, generosity, and forgiveness. It has been said that a mother’s love is unconditional and everlasting. That mother’s love constitutes the most powerful force on earth. Luckily, my siblings and I, along with our families, embody the force and ferocity of Veronica Ngalasi Igwe’s motherly love.
Veronica Ngalasi Igwe: Loving, Giving And Forgiving Unto Death
By Leo Igwe It has been said that a mother’s love is unconditional and everlasting. That mother’s love constitutes the most powerful force on earth. Luckily, my siblings and I, along with our families, embody the force and ferocity of Veronica Ngalasi Igwe’s motherly love. At age 86, Veronica’s love for us, the children, glowed, never waned, or wavered, never ceased, never faded. Her love never diminished and was ever giving, forever yielding, forgiving, but never forgetting.
Veronica Ngalasi Igwe: Loving, Giving and Forgiving Unto Death -By Leo Igwe
It has been said that a mother’s love is unconditional and everlasting. That mother’s love constitutes the most powerful force on earth. Luckily, my siblings and I, along with our families, embody the force and ferocity of Veronica Ngalasi Igwe’s motherly love. At age 86, Veronica’s love for us, the children, glowed, never waned, or wavered, never ceased, never faded. Her love never diminished and was ever giving, forever yielding, forgiving, but never forgetting.
Veronica Ngalasi Igwe: Loving, Giving and Forgiving Unto Death
It has been said that a mother's love is unconditional and everlasting. That mother's love constitutes the most powerful force on earth. Luckily, my siblings and I, along with our families, embody the force and ferocity of Veronica Ngalasi Igwe's motherly love. At age 86, Veronica's love for us, the children, glowed, never waned, or wavered, never ceased, never faded. Her love never diminished and was ever giving, forever yielding, forgiving, but never forgetting.
Policing Allegations of Penis Theft in Rivers State
A recent case in a community in Rivers state has revealed worrisome gaps and disconnects in policing and management of allegations of penis theft in Nigeria. A video that circulated on social media two days ago showed a young man being beaten and manhandled by officers of the Rivers State Vigilante Group, OSPAC.
Leo Igwe: On the Policing Allegations of Penis Theft in Rivers State [MUST READ]
A recent case in a community in Rivers State has revealed worrisome gaps and disconnects in policing and management of allegations of penis theft in Nigeria. A video that circulated on social media two days ago showed a young man being beaten and manhandled by officers of the Rivers State Vigilante Group, OSPAC.
Superstition, Indigenous Knowledge, and Future of Skepticism in Africa
The 50th CSICON Anniversary conference is an opportunity to re-interrogate and re-present Africa. This event offers a potent reason and space to challenge magical, paranormal, and occult ideas, which Western anthropologists and their African allies have persistently impressed on the world.
Superstition, Indigenous Knowledge, and Future of Skepticism in Africa
By Leo Igwe, Ph.D The 50th CSICON Anniversary conference is an opportunity to re-interrogate and re-present Africa. This event offers a potent reason and space to challenge magical, paranormal, and occult ideas, which Western anthropologists and their African allies have persistently impressed on the world.
Doing Philosophy for Children in Nigeria
Philosophy for Children (P4C) is an educational movement that fosters reasoning and argumentative skills in children. These skills include critical, creative, caring, and collaborative habits. American professor Mathew Lipman developed this educational approach in the 70s, and today the movement has spread across the world. As a standalone subject or as infused, P4C is taught and facilitated in schools across Europe, America, Asia, and Australia.
Mathias Ezeaku: Rejection of Christianity, and Politics in Southern Nigeria
My attention has been drawn to a media report stating that a community had rejected a traditional religious worshipper, Mathias Ezeaku, who is aspiring to contest next year's election in Enugu, Southern Nigeria. According to the report, some leaders from Uzo Uwani constituency had come out to oppose Mathias Ezeaku, a self-identifying traditional religious worshipper who is seeking the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
Can Humanism Help End Witch Hunts in Africa?
In many parts of Africa, witch hunting and its cognates—demon hunting, jinn hunting, and mermaid hunting—persist with force and ferocity. Alleged witches, mainly women but also children and elderly persons, are attacked, banished, imprisoned, lynched, buried alive, or murdered. Can humanism help end witch hunts in Africa? Data from the humanist group Advocacy for Alleged Witches can answer that question. Of course, the answer is a categorical “yes.” Humanism can help eradicate witch hunts in Africa.
Diverstorm: Teaching Creativity and Innovation in African Schools
By Leo Igwe As in the case of critical thinking, I have grappled with the idea of fostering creative and innovative reasoning in schools, particularly in primary and secondary education. I believe that if Africa is to grow and develop, Africans must take creative and innovative thinking seriously. The objective of realizing a more creative society starts in the schools, and with African students and teachers.
Diverstorm: Teaching Creativity and Innovation in African Schools
As in the case of critical thinking, I have grappled with the idea of fostering creative and innovative reasoning in schools, particularly in primary and secondary education. I believe that if Africa is to grow and develop, Africans must take creative and innovative thinking seriously. The objective of realizing a more creative society starts in the schools, and with African students and teachers.
Thieves, Desecration, and Im/Potency of Catholic Sacrament in Nigeria
By Leo Igwe The theft of a monstrance containing the ‘Blessed Sacrament’ has sent shockwaves across the Catholic community in Owerri, Imo State. A statement released on April 30, 2026, by the secretary of the archdiocese, Fr Patrick Mbarah, decried the ‘desecration’ of the Chapel of Adoration of St Mulumba Parish, Wetheral Road, Owerri, in the wee hours of April 29, 2026.
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