Inside Abuja Community Where Publicly Frying Bean Cake (Akara) Is Punishable By Death

Bobola Richard 

In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, lies an unassuming village in Gwagwalada Area Council that has developed a name for an unusual and rather controversial rule. Chukuku, a residential area on the outskirts of Abuja populated by a mix of Gbagyi’s (Indigenes) and non-indigenes including Yoruba, Hausa, Tivs, Igala, Ebira, Idoma, and others, has become famous for its prohibition on the public frying of a popular local delicacy, bean cake, or “Akara.”

Akara is a deep-fried snack composed of ground peeled beans spiced and seasoned with herbs and spices. It is a popular street cuisine in Nigeria, often eaten hot and crispy as a breakfast or snack. However, in Chukuku, the practise of openly frying Akara is strictly prohibited.

Indeed, our correspondent who visited the neighbourhood reports that potential violators face harsh sanctions if they violate the treaty.

Dr. Hassan Salihu, an Abuja-based environment expert who has previously worked on community projects, spoke to Abuja City Journal about the issue. He speculated that the development could be the outcome of the community’s environmental initiatives. “This unconventional rule has its roots in the community’s commitment to maintaining a tranquil and smoke-free environment,” he explained. “Chukuku’s citizens, concerned about the health risks of inhaling the fumes produced during the frying process, opted to enforce the ban,” he added.

This position, however, does not appear to be popular, particularly among community members. “There was a time here when publicly frying and selling of bean cake was a norm and the business was thriving until a scheme was perfected using bean cake and its ingredients to send a popular nice man to an early grave, and that act ultimately led to a civil unrest in the community,” a community elder who spoke to our correspondent said. “The Zaki (local chief) at the time subsequently decided to curse anyone who would ever publicly fry and sell bean cake in Chukuku as a result.”

Audu, a trader, confirmed the story. “Recently, a woman decided to ignore the curse and went ahead to do her business,” he stated, “but along the lines, the hot oil on the fire poured on her two young kids, and right there, they gave up the ghosts.”

Although numerous people have sworn to the veracity of these tales, Abuja City Journal could not confirm their veracity at the time of filing this report.

Despite the terrifying legends surrounding frying in the town, numerous individuals like consuming the delicacy. Outside of the community, akara can be fried and brought in to be sold, although this too requires particular attention.

Additionally, while Chukuku residents who prefer akara are free to prepare and consume the food in the privacy of their homes, Abuja City Journal learnt that anyone seen frying akara outside risks fines or community service.