In this episode, Kenny takes a break from dismantling ghost gadgets and solving mysteries and takes advantage of a rare opportunity to sit down with Dr. Leo Igwe. In this conversation, we discussed growing up and living in Nigeria, surrounded by superstition, how and why people are still accused of witchcraft, the consequences of being accused, and the work Leo does to protect adults and children from torture and possible death…often times by members of their own family. Leo agreed to sit down with me in order to bring awareness of this dangerous magical thinking that is still going on in this world of 2023.
Dr. Leo Igwe is a Nigerian human rights advocate and humanist who has dedicated his life to fighting against the harmful effects of superstition and promoting humanism. He is the Director of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches and a leader in the Nigerian Humanist Movement. He is mainly concerned with ending witchcraft accusations, anti-gay hate, caste discrimination, and ritual killing. Dr. Igwe’s work has brought him into conflict with high-profile witchcraft believers, including the Liberty Foundation Gospel Ministries, who oppose his activism to protect children from human rights violations caused by “witchcraft” accusations. Dr. Igwe holds a doctoral degree in religious studies from the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies, University of Bayreuth, Germany. He also earned a graduate degree in philosophy from the University of Calabar in Nigeria.