Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested a 28-year-old suspect in connection with the abduction and killing of a six-year-old girl, in a case linked to an Enugu-based alleged native doctor, Obieze Ezeani, popularly known as “Edey Play” or “Edey Show.”
The suspect, identified as Friday Akonobi, was arrested in the early hours of January 17, 2026, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, following what police described as “credible intelligence.”
According to the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, preliminary investigations revealed that Akonobi was allegedly involved in the abduction of late Miss Ozioma Nwankwo, a six-year-old girl who was taken from Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on May 10, 2025.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to committing the crime alongside four other accomplices who are currently at large,” Ikenga said.
He added that the suspect claimed the child was taken to Enugu and handed over to the alleged native doctor, Obieze Ezeani, stating that he and his accomplices acted as agents.
“The suspect alleged that the group was paid the sum of One Million Naira (₦1,000,000) each for every virgin girl delivered to the native doctor,” Ikenga disclosed, adding that the victim was later killed and allegedly used for ritual purposes.
SP Ikenga further confirmed that the alleged native doctor has since been arrested by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, a development that has drawn widespread public attention, especially following the circulation of related videos on social media.
Assuring the public of the command’s resolve, Ikenga said the police were intensifying efforts to track down the remaining suspects.
“The Anambra State Police Command assures members of the public that all necessary steps are being taken to arrest the fleeing accomplices and ensure that everyone involved in this heinous crime is brought to justice,” he stated.
He added that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
