Jozan School Ritual Murder: Woman Gets Life, Two Accomplices Jailed Decades

Soroti High Court has delivered a life sentence to Susan Vivian Ariokot, wife of the Jozan Nursery and Primary School director, for her role in the ritualistic murder of five-year-old Joan Faith Apio. The brutal killing of the young pupil, discovered in a school toilet in February 2025, shocked the Teso sub-region.

Justice Boniface Wamala determined that the severe circumstances of the murder warranted the harshest penalty for Ariokot. The court heard that the child suffered horrific injuries, described as “inhumane,” to her neck, leading to fatal blood loss. The judge characterized the act as child sacrifice, deeming it “gross and evil.”

Ariokot’s husband, Joseph Okedi, was sentenced to 30 years in prison, while his brother, Detective Corporal John Bosco Obotol, received a 35-year sentence. The judge noted Obotol’s involvement in planning and executing the murder, highlighting the betrayal of his duty as a police officer.

Three other individuals, including the school cook, headteacher, and matron, were acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking them to the crime. The court considered the possibility of the death penalty for Ariokot but ultimately imposed life imprisonment, balancing aggravating factors with mitigating ones.

The sentences are intended to serve as a strong deterrent against similar acts. All sentences are effective from the date of conviction. The court also ordered any money recovered from the convicts be given to Apio’s parents for burial expenses, and their properties returned to relatives.

This sentencing concludes a high-profile trial that has captivated the region, underscoring the devastating impact of child abuse and ritualistic violence. https://nilepost.co.ug/news/365529/jozan-ritual-murder-woman-jailed-for-life-as-two-co-convicts-get-35-30-years