Enugu State Police Command, working alongside local residents, has rescued a 13-year-old girl allegedly abducted by suspected kidnappers in the Ishiagu community, Ezeagu Local Government Area.
The police confirmed the arrest of three male suspects in connection with the crime.
Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has launched an intensified manhunt for the fleeing native doctor, identified as the prime suspect.
On May 27, 2025, at approximately 3:15 am, officers from Umumba Division, supported by Neighbourhood Watch personnel and vigilant community members, rescued the teenager from Umuojor village. She had reportedly been kidnapped for ritual purposes.
During the operation, officers discovered two decomposing bodies—one male and one female—buried in a concrete-sealed pit within an uncompleted building. The structure served as a shrine and belonged to the fleeing suspect.
Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, stated on Wednesday that investigations revealed the deceased were recently murdered and interred in the pit by the suspects for ritual practices. He added that the rescued child was moments from suffering a similar fate before the intervention.
Officers arrested three suspects: Uche Kingsley Agumba (33), Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi (36), and Ejike Odinwankpa (38). The prime suspect, High Chief Levi Onyeka Obu—also known as ‘Ezeani’ and ‘E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show’—a native doctor and prominent community figure, escaped and remains at large.
In response, the Enugu State Government has demolished the buildings owned by the fleeing suspect that were used for these criminal acts.
Commissioner Giwa, who visited the crime scene promptly, praised the collaborative efforts of the police, local security teams, and community members that led to the successful rescue.
He has directed the Command’s Tactical Squads, along with Investigation and Intelligence Units, to intensify efforts to capture the remaining suspects and ensure justice is served.