A man identified as Obi Levi Obieze, also known by the aliases Levi Obu Onyeka, “Ezeani,” and “E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show,” has been captured by operatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) while allegedly attempting to escape the country.
The suspect, a well-known native doctor from Umuojor village in the Isiagu community of Enugu State, was wanted in connection with kidnapping and ritual murder cases.
Obieze was arrested at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme border route in Lagos while trying to flee Nigeria on a motorcycle.
The Nigeria Police Force had earlier declared him wanted following investigations into the abduction of a 13-year-old girl, who was reportedly kidnapped while walking with her father to their farm.
She was later rescued by police operatives from a shrine allegedly linked to Obieze.
Confirming the arrest, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service, ACI AS Akinlabi, said in a statement on Thursday that Obieze’s identity was verified through an enrollment slip from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) found on him.
“He is currently in custody and his identity has been confirmed through a National Identity Management Commission enrollment slip found in his possession. During the initial questioning, he admitted to the alleged crimes,” Akinlabi said.
The immigration spokesperson also noted that the suspect is being held in coordination with the Nigeria Police Force, who will take over the investigation.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service is collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force for the suspect’s handover and further investigation while reaffirming its commitment to border security,” he added.
In a related development, the Enugu State Police Command earlier apprehended three individuals; Uche Kingsley Agumba (33), Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi (36), and Ejike Odinwankpa (38)—in connection with the same kidnapping incident.
Authorities also discovered two decomposing corpses buried in a sealed pit on Obieze’s property, further linking him to the alleged ritual killings.
Police had described Obieze as a known traditionalist in his community and urged the public to assist with information regarding his whereabouts, until his eventual capture.