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Abstract

This ethnographic study examines crime prevention strategies within Igbe Orhe, an indigenous African religious tradition practiced in Delta State, Nigeria. While existing security studies primarily emphasize formal and direct approaches to crime prevention, this research foregrounds the less explored structural mechanisms embedded in cultural spirituality. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with purposively selected participants, including the Uku Supreme (global leader), High Priests (Uku), High Priestess (Omote Uku), Chief Priests (Inori), Chief Priestesses (Ini Igbe), and Votary Singers (Akpine). Two focus group discussions were also conducted with female and youth members of selected Ogwa ri Igbe (temples). Interviews conducted in Pidgin English and Urhobo were transcribed and analyzed using narrative content analysis. Findings highlight key indigenous crime deterrents, including fear of Oweya (spiritual retribution), the clairvoyant authority of spiritual leaders, ritual songs, and a rigorous sanction system. Together, these elements foster accountability, moral discipline, and communal harmony. The study concludes that spiritual leaders, by extending their clairvoyant authority beyond the personal edification of adherents, can contribute more proactively to identifying and addressing criminal tendencies within their communities and the wider society.

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