NMA Rejects Strange Claims of Magical Genital Theft

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Rivers State has rejected claims that someone's genitals or any body part can be stolen through physical or spiritual means.

The association’s Public Relations Officer, Siene Orogun, made this clear while talking to journalists on Thursday in Port Harcourt. Ms Orogun responded to a viral video on social media that showed a man, Daso Ogan, being beaten and held over claims that he had "magically" taken another man’s genitals.

She called the allegation unfounded and said it is not recognized by medical science or Nigerian law. She explained that a handshake or physical contact cannot cause someone's genitals or any other body part to disappear, shrink, or stop working.

"There is no biological or scientific evidence to support such claims," she said. "However, the feeling that it is real is known as Koro Syndrome or Genital Retraction Syndrome."

Ms Orogun, a public health doctor at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, explained that people with this condition genuinely believe their genitals have shrunk or disappeared. But medical checks always show no changes in their anatomy.

"The fear itself triggers physical responses. Anxiety can reduce blood flow and suppress erectile function, creating the impression that the organ has shrunk or lost function," she explained. "The organ remains intact. What is real is the psychiatric and physiological effect of extreme fear, and that is entirely treatable."

Ms Orogun described Koro Syndrome as a "mass psychogenic illness in which fear spreads rapidly within communities." She emphasized the need for public health education and psychiatric support. She encouraged people to seek medical help instead of turning to violence or superstition when facing such fears.

Gbenga Oladapo, Executive Director of the Lawyers Watch for Justice International Initiative, also spoke out. He said claims of magical genital theft have no legal backing.

"Our legal system is evidence-based. Such claims can only be proven with credible medical evidence," he stated. "Without such evidence, the accusation is false, and the accuser may be breaking the law."

Mr Oladapo pointed out that the Rivers State Criminal Code punishes false publications and accusations against individuals. He added that claims of witchcraft or magical theft should be investigated and prosecuted if found to be false.

He condemned the alleged beating of the accused by local vigilante members. "It is unfortunate when groups meant to support security agencies resort to physically attacking suspects. Such actions hurt justice and due process," he said.

Mr Oladapo urged vigilante groups to focus on identifying suspects and passing them to law enforcement for proper investigation and prosecution. He stressed that good community policing needs cooperation with the police instead of working outside the law.

He concluded that the ongoing claims of genital theft in some communities come from fear, misinformation, and misconceptions, not from medical or legal facts.