Watch how Ikwo community in Ebonyi State traditionally determines whether a person accused of an offence is guilty or innocent using their customary method.
A traditional method of determining guilt in parts of Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has generated fresh conversations on social media after a video of the practice resurfaced online.
According to local accounts, the centuries-old custom involves a suspect lying across two brooms tied together. Several members of the community then attempt to lift the person using only the joined brooms. Supporters of the tradition believe that if the individual can be lifted successfully, it signifies innocence. However, if the brooms fail to lift the person or the attempt is unsuccessful, the person is traditionally regarded as guilty of the alleged offence.
Community elders describe the ritual as part of their ancestral system of conflict resolution and justice, saying it has been passed down through generations and is deeply rooted in local beliefs and customs.
The practice has, however, sparked mixed reactions. While some people have defended it as an important aspect of cultural heritage that deserves respect, others have questioned its reliability, arguing that allegations of criminal conduct should be investigated using evidence and handled through Nigeria's formal justice system.
Legal experts note that under Nigerian law, criminal guilt can only be established by a competent court after due process. Traditional customs may play a role in community life, but they do not replace constitutional rights or judicial proceedings.
As discussions continue online, the incident has once again highlighted the tension between preserving long-standing cultural traditions and ensuring that modern legal standards remain the basis for determining criminal responsibility.
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