The Lagos State Police Command has taken custody of a suspected ritual killer and native doctor from Enugu, who was recently apprehended by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Lagos.
The suspect, Obi Obieze—also known by aliases such as Ezeani, Ichie Billion, and ‘E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show’—is accused of multiple ritual murders and kidnappings in Enugu State.
Obieze was alleged to have been responsible for the deaths of several victims, whose bodies were reportedly discovered concealed in a concrete-sealed pit at one of his properties in Umuojor village, Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State.
His arrest occurred on Wednesday afternoon at around 2 pm at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Expressway, after he was intercepted while attempting to flee the country via the Seme Border.
Eyewitness reports and intelligence reveal that Obi Obieze escaped an earlier arrest attempt in Enugu. On the previous night, he reportedly boarded a night bus bound for Mile2 in Lagos.
He arrived at Mile2 around 10 am the following day, where he quickly hired a motorcycle intending to cross into Benin Republic via the Seme Border. However, routine security checks conducted by the Nigeria Immigration Service operatives led to his identification and subsequent arrest.
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According to a detailed account provided by immigration officer Prince Orji Ugochukwu, who first recognized Obieze from viral social media images, the suspect was initially on a motorcycle that refused to stop for inspection. The officer promptly mounted another bike and pursued the suspect until they reached the next checkpoint, where he was apprehended.
During their return to the checkpoint, the suspect questioned the officer about the allegations against him, denying any wrongdoing and claiming that the person in the viral images was his brother, not him.
Obieze reportedly tried to bribe the officer with N10 million and offered expensive gadgets including an iPhone 13 Pro Max and a Tecno Camon 19 to secure his release. The officer, however, refused all offers, handcuffed the suspect, and promptly handed him over to the NIS command office for formal processing.
Obieze had been wanted by the police for his alleged involvement in a string of ritual killings and kidnappings, including the recent abduction of a 13-year-old girl. The girl was reportedly kidnapped while walking to a farm with her father and later rescued by police from a shrine connected to the suspect.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the arrest of three other individuals—Uche Kingsley Agumba, 33, Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi, 36, and Ejike Odinwankpa, 38—in connection with the kidnapping case. Additionally, the bodies of two victims, including a pregnant woman, were discovered buried at Obieze’s residence in Enugu.
Upon his arrest, the Nigeria Immigration Service immediately contacted its headquarters in Abuja, which instructed the Lagos command to hand over the suspect to the police for further investigation.
On Friday afternoon, Obieze was transferred to the Lagos State Police Command in handcuffs and a mask, owing to concerns that he might attempt to flee again.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, received the suspect and confirmed plans to transfer him back to Enugu State, where he will face charges relating to kidnapping, ritual killings, and other crimes.
In accordance with the Federal Government directive banning public parades of suspects, reporters were denied access to the accused at the Lagos command.
News of Obieze’s arrest sparked jubilation among residents of Enugu State, who are calling for a transparent and public trial to ensure justice is served.
The Enugu State Government commended the Nigeria Immigration Service for their vigilance and swift action in apprehending the fugitive, whose mansion at Umumba Ndiagu in Ezeagu LGA was demolished on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
This demolition was carried out in accordance with Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, which governs properties linked to kidnapping activities.
A statement from the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, underscored the government’s commitment to prosecuting those involved in ritual killings and kidnappings.
The government also called on community leaders—including traditional rulers, presidents of town unions, and neighborhood watch groups—to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
The statement warned that anyone found to be aiding or protecting criminals would be treated as accomplices, affirming that the current administration will not tolerate criminality under any guise.