Senegal Police Arrest Suspect Over Alleged Ritual Killing of 20-Year-Old Woman in Tivaouane
Police in Tivaouane, Senegal, have arrested a man accused of killing a 20-year-old woman, Ndèye Bigué Sène, in an alleged ritual intended to bring him wealth.
The suspect, identified as B. Ndiaye, and described by local media as a traditional spiritual practitioner, was arrested by officers from the Tivaouane Urban Police Station under the leadership of Chief Superintendent Cheikh Ndiaye.
According to local reports, the suspect allegedly confessed during questioning, claiming that another practitioner, identified only as “Coulibaly,” instructed him to find a young virgin and carry out a ritual involving an unknown substance, stabbing and the collection of blood.
Ndèye Bigué, who had travelled to Tivaouane to attend the Gamou religious celebrations, was reportedly found dead in a bush on Saturday, August 22, with multiple injuries. Investigators said she had sustained four stab wounds.
Reports indicate that the suspect, a former fisherman, was previously known to the victim after providing spiritual prayers for her while she prepared for her 2026 baccalaureate examinations.
Although she reportedly did not obtain the expected result in the examinations, the two remained in contact.
Initial investigations suggest that Ndiaye later contacted the young woman and arranged to meet her. She reportedly left her home in Tivaouane at about 8 p.m. on Friday, August 21.
Police were alerted around 2 p.m. the following day after her body was discovered.
According to local media reports, neighbourhood inquiries and analysis of mobile phone records helped investigators identify and trace the suspect.
Ndiaye reportedly denied allegations of rape but later confessed to the killing after investigators confronted him with evidence gathered during the investigation.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death and determine whether other individuals were involved.
Authorities are expected to take further legal action after the investigation is concluded.
Senegal Police Arrest Suspect Over Alleged Ritual Killing of 20-Year-Old Woman in Tivaouane