Alleged ritual murders: Embattled native doctor’s homes demolished

The Enugu State government has commended the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for apprehending Obi Levi Obieze, popularly known as Levi Obu Onyeka, a native doctor and suspected ritualist who had been evading arrest.

According to a statement on Friday from the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the suspect’s properties located in Umumba Ndiagu, Ezeagu Local Government Area, were demolished earlier this week in compliance with state regulations concerning assets linked to kidnapping activities.

“The Enugu State government received with delight the news of the arrest of the fugitive suspected kidnap kingpin and ritualist, Levi Obieze, by the officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service,” Onyia said.

“This arrest has further strengthened our hands in our bid to ensure that justice is served on all the persons involved in the gory incidents of abduction, kidnapping, and ritual killings linked to the suspect.”

Obieze, originally from Umuojor village in the Ndiagu Community of Ezeagu, had been declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force due to his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl and several ritualistic murders.

The police rescued the young girl, who was abducted while walking to a farm with her father. She was found inside a shrine reportedly managed by Obieze. The site became the focus of a grim investigation when officers uncovered two decomposed bodies buried in a concrete-sealed pit.

Three other suspects tied to the abduction were detained by the Enugu State Police Command, while Obieze remained at large until his capture on Thursday.

The native doctor was arrested by the Nigeria Immigration Service at the Gbaji checkpoint on the Badagry-Seme Road as he attempted to flee Nigeria on a motorcycle.

Onyia added that the demolition of Obieze’s mansions took place on Tuesday, May 27, following the state’s legal framework against kidnapping-related properties.

“As usual, the Enugu State Government has already demolished the property in his country home on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in line with Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State, regarding property linked to kidnapping,” he explained.

The government also praised vigilant residents and the cooperation between civilian and security agencies that helped bring the case to light. It reiterated a zero-tolerance stance toward criminal activities within the state.

“This administration will not condone any form of criminality in our communities under any guise,” the statement emphasised.

“Therefore, this is also a call on community leaders – traditional rulers, Presidents-General of Town Unions, Neighbourhood Watch, among others, to be watchful and report such persons to government and security agencies. Those who cover up for such criminals will also be treated as accomplices.”