ENUGU: Police, residents rescue 13-year-old girl, three suspected kidnappers arrested

The Command said three male suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.

It also said that the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, ordered an intensified manhunt for the fleeing native doctor and prime suspect.

The police explained that on May 27, 2025, at about 3:15 am, officers attached to the Umumba Division, in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch personnel and vigilant community members, successfully rescued the teenager allegedly kidnapped for ritual murder at Umuojor village.

They said during the rescue, two decomposing bodies — one male and one female — were discovered buried in a concrete-sealed pit within an uncompleted building, owned and used as a shrine by the fleeing prime suspect.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, on Wednesday, the police said investigations revealed that the deceased victims were recently murdered and buried in the pit by the suspects for ritual purposes, and the rescued child was moments away from suffering the same fate before the timely intervention.

“The operation also led to the arrest of three male suspects connected to the crime, namely: Uche Kingsley Agumba, aged 33; Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi, aged 36; and Ejike Odinwankpa, aged 38. The prime suspect, identified as High Chief Levi Onyeka Obu nicknamed ‘Ezeani’ and ‘E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show,’ a native doctor and prominent member of the community, fled the scene and is currently at large.

“In line with its laws, the Enugu State Government has demolished the buildings owned by the fleeing prime suspect and used for the criminal enterprise,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, who promptly visited the crime scene, commended the efforts of the policemen, local security groups, and community members, whose collaboration ensured the success of the operation.

“He has also directed the Command’s Tactical Squads, as well as Investigation and Intelligence Units, to intensify efforts in tracking down the fleeing suspect and other accomplices still at large, with a firm resolve to ensure justice is served,” it added.