Immigration arrests fleeing native doctor ‘linked to ritual killings’ near Seme border

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested Obi Levi Obieze, a herbalist, over alleged involvement in abduction, kidnapping, and ritual killings.

Obieze, popularly known as Levi Obu Onyeka, is a popular herbalist in Umuojor village in Ishiagu community of Ezeagu LGA of Enugu.

Recently, videos and pictures showing gory images of corpses in a sewage pit at an uncompleted building allegedly owned by Obieze began trending on social media.

Vigilantes and security operatives were said to have discovered the pit in an uncompleted building allegedly owned and used by Obieze as a shrine.

The vigilantes were on the lookout for a 13-year-old girl who was abducted in the community in Tuesday.

A statement released by Daniel Ndukwe, Enugu police spokesperson, on Wednesday, said the herbalist fled the community after vigilantes and security operatives busted the uncompleted building.

“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,” Ndukwe had said.

“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.

“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, and heinous criminal activities by the fleeing prime suspect.

“Investigations reveal 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.”

‘HE WAS FLEEING NIGERIA ON A MOTORCYCLE’

A statement on Thursday by Akinsola Akinlabi, NIS spokesperson, said the herbalist was arrested at the Gbaji checkpoint along Badagry-Seme road while attempting to flee Nigeria on a motorcycle.

Akinlabi said the immigration is currently collaborating with the police for the handing over of the suspect.

“Through credible intelligence, Obi Levi Obieze was apprehended by vigilant men of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Border Patrol Command, at Gbaji checkpoint along Badagry-Seme Road while attempting to flee the country on a motorcycle,” the statement reads.

“He is currently in custody and his identity has been confirmed through a National Identity Management Commission enrollment slip found in his possession. During initial questioning, he admitted to the alleged crimes.”