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A Surulere-based pharmacist has raised alarm over what she describes as a “spiritual attack,” after nine customers reportedly fell critically ill—four fatally—following the use of a batch of tablets allegedly prepared with a mysterious wooden mortar delivered to her shop by an unknown elderly woman.
Dr. Amaka Okonkwo, known in her community as “Pharma-Ama,” recently opened the third branch of her pharmacy business on Adelabu Street, Surulere. The new branch was set for official opening with religious blessings from Christian, Muslim, and traditional leaders.
However, events took an unusual turn on the eve of the launch.
According to Dr. Okonkwo, an elderly woman she had never met entered the pharmacy on Sunday afternoon carrying a small wooden mortar and pestle, which she claimed was a “blessing gift” meant to bring prosperity to the new business.
The woman identified herself as “Mama Ibeji from Oyo,” allegedly a supplier of herbal items to major pharmacies. She reportedly instructed the pharmacist to grind the first batch of medicine in the wooden mortar to ensure “fast sales and everlasting money.”
Dr. Okonkwo claims she felt an intense burning sensation when she touched the pestle and experienced a sudden warning “like a voice” telling her that the tool was dangerous. She says she later destroyed the mortar and pestle by burning them behind the shop.
Her assistant, however, had allegedly used the mortar briefly before she returned.
Strange Illnesses Reported
By the next morning, reports began to surface of patients who had purchased drugs from that particular batch the day before.
A total of nine customers—ranging from a banker to schoolchildren—reportedly developed severe symptoms, including bleeding from the eyes, nose, and ears. Four of the nine later died.
Medical examinations, according to Dr. Okonkwo, revealed no known toxin. Officials from NAFDAC and police investigators sealed the pharmacy for one month, but found no chemical contamination in the remaining stock.
The mysterious elderly woman has not been seen since. Local inquiries revealed no record of her identity, and the phone number she reportedly provided was found to be nonexistent.
Pharmacist Describes “Supernatural Encounter”
In a statement that has stirred significant public debate, Dr. Okonkwo also claims that the same elderly woman appeared in her home several nights later in what she described as a “spiritual visitation,” allegedly warning that she would “bring the sickness itself” next time.
These claims have not been verified, and authorities have not commented on any supernatural angle.
Security Measures Heightened
Dr. Okonkwo says she has since implemented strict personal policies in all her branches: any traditional objects brought into the shop—whether calabashes, cowries, kolanuts, or ceremonial gifts—are immediately confiscated and destroyed.
“Some gifts are not blessings,” she said. “Not every traditional item is harmless, especially on the first day of business. You must be careful what enters your shop.”
