Mathew Amaechi
A twist unfolded this week in one of the most chilling crime stories to emerge from southeastern Nigeria, as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) apprehended and handed over a wanted native doctor, Obi Levi Obieze, to the Lagos State Police Command.
Obieze, also known as Levi Obu Onyeka, was arrested on May 29 while attempting to escape the country through the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Road. He was reportedly trying to flee on a motorcycle when NIS operatives intercepted him, acting on credible intelligence.
Police spokesman CSP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the handover in a statement released Friday via X (formerly Twitter). “ONGOING: @nigimmigration, Lagos State Command hands over wanted suspect, Obi Levi Obieze, to @LagosPoliceNG at the Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja,” Hundeyin announced.
The suspect, a native of Umuajor village in Enugu State, has been linked to the abduction and alleged ritual killing of a 13-year-old girl in Isiagu Community, Enugu. Authorities say the girl was kidnapped on May 27 while accompanying her father to their farm. She was later rescued from a shrine allegedly operated by Obieze and his accomplices.
The Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, confirmed the arrest in a statement delivered by the Service Public Relations Officer, ACI AS Akinlabi. “The suspect is a male individual wanted by the Nigeria Police Enugu State Command for alleged involvement in abduction, kidnapping, and ritual killing,” it read.
Investigators say Obieze’s identity was verified through a National Identity Management Commission enrollment slip found in his possession. During initial interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his role in the crime.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, especially in Enugu State, where the community of Isiagu is still reeling from the ordeal. Obieze is believed to have worked with two other men during the abduction. Police have not disclosed whether those suspects have also been arrested.
Obieze’s arrest and transfer to the Lagos Police Command signal a deepening investigation into ritual-related crimes that continue to plague some parts of the country. Authorities say more updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
