The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested a wanted suspected kidnapper and ritualist, Obi Levi Obieze, also known as Levi Obu Onyeka, at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Road in Lagos while attempting to flee the country on a motorcycle.
Obieze, a resident of Umuojor village in Isiagu community, Enugu State, and a known native doctor, had earlier been declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force over his alleged involvement in a recent case of kidnapping and ritual killings.
The suspect was linked to the abduction of a 13-year-old girl who was reportedly kidnapped by three men while walking with her father to the farm earlier this week. She was later rescued by police operatives from a shrine reportedly connected to the suspect.
Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Immigration Service, ACI AS Akinlabi, said in a statement on Thursday that Obieze was apprehended while trying to escape the country.
“He is currently in custody and his identity has been confirmed through a National Identity Management Commission enrollment slip found in his possession. During the initial questioning, he admitted to the alleged crimes,” the statement said.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service is collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force for the suspect’s handover and further investigation while reaffirming its commitment to border security,” it added.
Earlier, the Enugu State Police Command had confirmed the arrest of three suspects — Uche Kingsley Agumba (33), Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi (36), and Ejike Odinwankpa (38) — in connection with the abduction. Two decomposing bodies were also discovered hidden in a pit sealed with concrete on the suspect’s premises.
The police had declared Obieze, also known by aliases such as “Ezeani” and “E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show,” wanted, describing him as a well-known traditionalist in Umuojor village, Isiagu community, where the crimes were allegedly committed.
