The Enugu State government has applauded the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for the arrest of the fleeing suspected ritualist and native doctor, Obi Levi Obieze, also known as Levi Obu Onyeka.
In a statement released on Friday, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, confirmed that Obieze’s properties in his hometown of Umumba Ndiagu in Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state, were demolished earlier this week in accordance with state laws governing assets linked to kidnapping.
“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 stated.
“This arrest has further strengthened our hands in our bid to ensure that justice is served on all the persons involved in the gory incidents of abduction, kidnapping, and ritual killings linked to the suspect.”
Enugu Government Demolishes Native Doctor’s Mansions After Arrest For Ritual Killing, Kidnappings
Obieze, who hails from Umuojor village in the Ndiagu Community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, had been on the run and was earlier declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force in connection with the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl and multiple ritual killings.
The police had rescued a teenage girl abducted while walking to the farm with her father.
She was reportedly found in a shrine believed to be operated by Obieze.
The shrine, located in the suspect’s hometown, became the scene of horror when police discovered two decomposing bodies hidden in a pit sealed with concrete.
Enugu Government Demolishes Native Doctor’s Mansions After Arrest For Ritual Killing, Kidnappings
Three suspects linked to the abduction, Uche Kingsley Agumba (33), Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi (36), and Ejike Odinwankpa (38), were apprehended by the Enugu State Police Command, while Obieze had fled and remained at large until Thursday.
The native doctor was eventually arrested on Thursday by the Nigeria Immigration Service at Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Road to end Obieze’s escape attempt.
The suspect was reportedly trying to flee Nigeria on a motorcycle when he was nabbed.
Onyia further disclosed that the demolition of the suspect’s mansions was carried out on Tuesday, May 27, in line with the legal provisions of the state’s anti-kidnapping laws.
Enugu Government Demolishes Native Doctor’s Mansions After Arrest For Ritual Killing, Kidnappings
“As usual, the Enugu State Government has already demolished the property in his country home on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in line with Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State, regarding property linked to kidnapping,” he noted.
The government also lauded the role played by vigilant community members and collaborative efforts from both civilian and state security operatives in uncovering the crime. It stressed that it would not tolerate any form of criminal activity in the state.
Enugu Government Demolishes Native Doctor’s Mansions After Arrest For Ritual Killing, Kidnappings
“This administration will not condone any form of criminality in our communities under any guise,” the statement emphasised.
“Therefore, this is also a call on community leaders – traditional rulers, Presidents-General of Town Unions, Neighbourhood Watch, among others, to be watchful and report such persons to government and security agencies. Those who cover up for such criminals will also be treated as accomplices.”
