Anambra Police arrest suspect in shocking ritual killing case linked to Enugu native doctor; investigation ongoing to apprehend all accomplices involved.
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old suspect, Friday Akonobi, in connection with the abduction and ritual killing of a six-year-old girl.
The gruesome case has drawn national attention as it is linked to an Enugu native doctor, Obieze Ezeani, widely known by his aliases “Edey Play” and “Edey Show.”
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the victim, identified as Ozioma Nwankwo, was abducted on May 10, 2025, from Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
She was reportedly transported to the residence of the alleged Enugu native doctor, where she was brutally murdered and used for ritual purposes.
“The Anambra State Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Friday Akonobi in the early hours of January 17, 2026,” SP Ikenga confirmed.
“The suspect is believed to have played a central role in delivering the victim to the Enugu native doctor, who allegedly orchestrated this heinous crime.”
During interrogation, Akonobi confessed to abducting Ozioma Nwankwo in collaboration with four other accomplices, who remain at large.
He revealed that each of them was paid N1 million by the Enugu native doctor for providing a virgin girl.
The suspect admitted that the child was killed and used for rituals, exposing the chilling nature of the crime.
Investigators revealed that the Enugu native doctor, Obieze Ezeani, had already been apprehended by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command.
Ezeani was intercepted by the Nigerian Immigration Service while attempting to flee the country through a land border.
Authorities had discovered human remains in soakaway pits at his compound located in Umumba Ndiagu, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, confirming the suspect’s involvement in ritual killings.
The Anambra Police are working closely with their counterparts in Enugu State to ensure that all individuals involved are brought to justice.
“Intensive efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects,” SP Ikenga said, emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement to prevent such crimes and maintain public safety.
Public reaction to the case has been intense, with citizens expressing outrage over the abduction and ritual killing of such a young child.
Videos and reports about the Enugu native doctor circulated widely on social media, drawing attention to the case and prompting calls for swift justice.
The community has urged authorities to step up measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Experts in criminal investigation note that cases involving ritual killings often involve networks of accomplices and require coordinated operations to dismantle.
“The Anambra Police and Enugu authorities are conducting a painstaking investigation, using intelligence-led policing to track down those responsible,” said a security analyst.
“Arrests like that of Friday Akonobi demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted operations based on credible intelligence.”
This case also highlights the ongoing challenge of ritual-related crimes in parts of southeastern Nigeria, which continue to attract national scrutiny.
Law enforcement agencies are being urged to intensify patrols, improve community policing, and engage with residents to identify potential threats before they escalate into violence.
Authorities have assured the public that updates will be provided regularly as the investigation unfolds.
The Anambra State Police Command continues to work diligently to ensure that justice is served for the victim and that all remaining suspects are swiftly apprehended.
Read also: Evil Unearthed: Native Doctor Allegedly Buries Victims Alive
Police Arrest Accomplices of Notorious Native Doctor
The arrest of Friday Akonobi, combined with the apprehension of the Enugu native doctor, marks a significant step forward in the investigation.
Police officials have reiterated their commitment to eliminating ritual-related crimes and holding perpetrators accountable, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of status, is above the law.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities that may assist in the ongoing investigation.
The collaboration between law enforcement agencies, communities, and other stakeholders is seen as essential in curbing crimes linked to ritual practices and protecting vulnerable individuals.
The Anambra Police Command also called on parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of children in their communities.
Authorities stressed the importance of education, awareness, and swift reporting to prevent future abductions and ritual-related incidents.
As the investigation continues, both Anambra and Enugu Police commands are leaving no stone unturned in tracking down the remaining suspects.
With the public’s cooperation and the application of intelligence-led policing, authorities are hopeful that all those involved in the abduction and ritual killing of Ozioma Nwankwo will be brought to justice.
Ireport247news
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