…Says His Ordeal is Politically Motivated
In a dramatic twist to the chilling case of ritual killings and kidnappings that has rocked Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, fugitive suspect Obi Levi Obieze has denied being a native doctor, claiming instead that he is a businessman who sells second-hand clothes.
Levi Obieze, a well-known resident of Umuojor village in the Isiagu community, was arrested by operatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Road in Lagos. He was intercepted while attempting to flee the country into Benin Republic on a motorcycle, reportedly accompanied by two of his wives.
Upon arrest, Obieze reportedly disowned the native doctor identity widely attributed to him and maintained that his business revolves around selling okrika (fairly used clothes). “I am not a native doctor. I don’t know anything about rituals. I am just a businessman,” he said in a trending video.
This denial sharply contrasts with multiple eyewitness accounts and local testimonies that identified him as a flamboyant native doctor, famously known as “Ezeani” and “E de Play E de Show,” who frequently sprayed money at events and dressed in full traditional regalia associated with spiritual practices.
Obieze made the U-turn following intense interrogation by security operatives after his arrest. He is also now claiming that he is a victim of a politically motivated plot. According to him, his ordeal is part of a conspiracy to tarnish his image and stop him from ascending the throne as the next traditional ruler of his village.
“This is a set-up. I am the next in line to become the king of my village. Some powerful individuals are trying to ruin me because they don’t want me to become the Igwe,” Obieze said.
The claim, however, has done little to quell public outrage. Many residents insist that Obieze was widely known in the area for his alleged spiritual dealings and suspected involvement in mysterious disappearances.
The controversy erupted last week when local vigilantes rescued a kidnapped teenage girl from a soakaway pit in Obieze’s compound. A further search led to the gruesome discovery of at least two decomposing bodies, including that of a pregnant woman, in the same pit.
On the orders of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Hon. Vita Ndu, demolished of Obieze’s properties linked to the dastardly act on Tuesday as a move to restore public confidence and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to justice.
Obieze is currently in custody as the Immigration Service has officially handed him over to the Police.
Meanwhile, residents of Isiagu community remain in shock, demanding justice and stricter measures to curb ritual crimes and insecurity in the state.
Watch the video below:
