TAI, Nigeria — A traditional ruler in Rivers State has suspended a local chief over allegations that he was involved in an attempt to bury charms in a compound in Korokoro community.
Tomakara Castro Nyiedam, the paramount ruler of Nonwa Tai community, announced that Chief Saturday Ntete, the unit chief of Bue-Borobara, would remain suspended pending an investigation.
The decision followed reports that Ntete and two other individuals, believed to be from Sime community, were confronted by youths in Korokoro, in Tai Local Government Area.
According to a report by Kristina Reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The palace said the three individuals had allegedly been attempting to place objects described as charms within a residential compound when they were intercepted.
It also referred to reports that the individuals made statements described as confessions after being confronted by residents.
The palace did not provide details of those statements or disclose evidence establishing the allegations.
In an official statement circulated on Facebook, Nyiedam, who holds the traditional title of Amaabana VIII, said the suspension was intended to allow the allegations to be investigated.
The palace also expressed concern about allegations that objects believed to possess supernatural powers are sometimes concealed in private compounds and subsequently used to frighten residents or support claims of spiritual intervention.
It did not establish whether such a scheme had occurred in the Korokoro incident.
The statement reaffirmed the community leadership’s commitment to maintaining public order and urged residents not to take actions that could interfere with the investigation.
“The Palace will not tolerate conduct that threatens public peace and urges everyone to remain calm while the matter is properly investigated,” the statement said.
The suspension is an administrative decision by the traditional authority and does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing.
The palace statement did not include Ntete’s response to the allegations or specify when the investigation would be completed.
