The Enugu State Government has announced that alleged ritualist and kidnap kingpin Obi-Levi Obieze will face “the full weight of the law” after his arrest along the Badagry-Seme road by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The government also commended the vigilance of NIS personnel whose routine patrol led to his capture.
In a statement issued Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Obieze’s two lavish mansions in Umumba Ndiagu, Ezeagu Council Area, were demolished on Tuesday under Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State. “The Enugu State Government received with delight the news of the arrest of the fugitive suspected kidnap kingpin and ritualist, Levi Obieze, by the officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service,” Onyia said.
He added that the demolition of Obieze’s country homes “follows due process and is in line with extant laws regarding property linked to kidnapping.” The properties, which local reports say featured high-walled compounds and a private borehole, were reduced to rubble to send a strong message that Enugu will not harbor criminals or allow their gains to stand.
Prof. Onyia praised community members, civilian vigilantes and security agencies for their joint efforts in uncovering Obieze’s network of collaborators across the region. “This arrest has further strengthened our hands in our bid to ensure that justice is served on all persons involved in the gory incidents of abduction, kidnapping and ritual killings linked to the suspect,” he said.
“The administration will not condone any form of criminality in our communities under any guise,” Onyia warned. He called on traditional rulers, town union presidents, neighbourhood watch groups and other stakeholders to remain alert and report suspicious individuals or activities. “Those who cover up for such criminals will also be treated as accomplices,” he stressed.
Obieze is expected to be transferred to Enugu State’s Criminal Investigation Department, where formal charges of kidnapping, conspiracy and ritual murder will be filed. Investigators say they are probing his alleged involvement in multiple abductions dating back to 2023, with families of victims awaiting closure.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims’ relatives and ensuring that all suspects connected to the case are brought to justice.