Search
Share & Follow Religion News Blog
Remember These Stories?
Two years ago today: Harold Ray Redfeairn, Aryan Leader, Dies, Storm over Italy crucifix ruling and A hidden voice of Islam
Cult fear for snatched girl
Police said today they feared for the safety of a kidnapped four-year-old girl after it emerged her mother was a follower of black magic.
Nigerian Ogonna Topple snatched daughter Daniella from her father after an access visit in Edinburgh on Saturday afternoon.
Detectives said today Mrs Topple practised the Voodoo-like African cult Juju, which has been linked to the deaths and abuse of a number of children in London.
They have now called in specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police to help in the hunt for Daniella.
Detective Inspector Wallace Campbell said police were “concerned” about 29-year-old Mrs Topple’s links with members of the Nigerian community she may have met in London. Officers are also concerned about Mrs
Topple’s mental state and fear Daniella may be in danger.
Airports and ports throughout the UK have been put on alert amid fears she may try to flee to Nigeria.
A warrant has been put out for her arrest for breaking the Scottish court order which granted custody of Daniella to her father Brian. The order was issued only one day before Mrs Topple, known as Jane, vanished with her child after a day out with her father.
She was last spotted in Arboretum Road, near the Botanic Garden on Saturday at 2.30pm.
Police have also said that they are worried about Mrs Topple’s mental state due to the anxiety of this situation.
Detective Inspector Campbell said: “This case is causing us increasing concern. We know of factors which may make it difficult for her to cope. She may be very anxious.
“We have also uncovered her interest in African spiritual ritualism.
“The wee girl will be frightened and confused by this set of circumstances. It would have caused her a lot of anxiety and disruption.
“There may be someone out there who has helped Jane. They must come forward. We know that they have been assisted to get away from the Bruntsfield area. It may have been a taxi driver or someone else going about their business who took them to the Inverleith area on Saturday.
Detective Inspector Campbell said Mrs Topple’s interest in African rituals was “causing us concern” and is “an area we are looking at”.
He added that officers were worried that Daniella could be harmed as a result of the ties to the black magic faith.
He said: “It’s a concern Jane may well have associates she met in London between October 4 and October 15. We are investigating that possibility.”
Mr Topple, a 48-year-old telecoms worker, is said to be “torn apart” by his daughter’s disappearance but police say he is coping under the circumstances.
Daniella is described as dark skinned, around 3ft 6in tall, with long shoulder-length brown curly hair.
She was wearing a pink cardigan, a purple cord dress with flowers, and red and white trainers when she was snatched.
Mrs Topple is described as 5ft 6in tall, dark skinned and of Nigerian descent, with black curly hair. She was wearing brown trousers, a denim top, a dark-brown cord hat and a leather necklace with a bullet-shaped pendant.
Many in Nigeria believe in the power of Juju, a blend of mystic ritual and traditional African belief. Some believe that by sacrificing humans and using their body parts in ceremonies they will become rich and powerful. The Metropolitan Police revealed in June a trade in black boys being used as human sacrifices in London churches.
The research into missing black boys in London began after the torso of a five-year-old boy, known as ‘Adam’, was found floating in the Thames in September 2001.
Bookmark, Share, or Email This Page
Read Another Article
|
Related News Articles
Topic(s): 
Subscribe to Religion News Blog updates
Find Related Information
Find Related 
Possibly related... or Most Popular Religion News Articles
Search Religion News Blog