Soroti School Proprietor Gets Life Sentence for Ritual Murder of 5-Year-Old

In a landmark ruling at the Soroti High Court, Suzan Vivian Ariokot, the proprietor of Jozan Nursery and Primary School, has been handed a life sentence for her role in the ritualistic murder of five-year-old Joan Faith Apio. The brutal killing, which occurred in February 2025, sent shockwaves through the community, particularly as it took place within the school premises.

The court, presided over by Justice Boniface Wamala, also convicted Ariokot’s husband, Joseph Okedi, and police officer John Bosco Obotol of murder. Okedi was sentenced to 35 years, while Obotol received 45 years in prison. Two juveniles who were central to the prosecution’s case pleaded guilty and testified against the adults, detailing the horrifying events.

Prosecution evidence indicated that the murder was a planned ritual sacrifice intended for material gain. A key witness described how Ariokot instructed her to bring the victim to Obotol, who was waiting outside the school. The child was then taken into a latrine, where screams were heard. Ariokot allegedly used a cutter knife, purchased by Okedi, to inflict the fatal injuries and remove tissue from the victim’s neck, which was subsequently handed to Obotol.

Justice Wamala described the case as “rare of the rare,” emphasizing the gruesome nature of the attack and the calculated planning involved. He noted that the postmortem report revealed extensive damage, including severed trachea, esophagus, and major blood vessels, leading to excessive bleeding. The judge strongly condemned Ariokot’s actions, questioning her capacity to carry out such a horrific act and highlighting the betrayal of trust placed in her as a school proprietor.

The court acquitted three other staff members, including the school cook, matron, and head teacher, due to insufficient evidence linking them to the murder. The sentencing of Ariokot, Okedi, and Obotol underscores the severity of ritualistic crimes and the importance of child safety. After accounting for time spent on remand, Obotol will serve over 43 years and Okedi over 33 years.

This case was reported by The Observer (Uganda).