Enugu Native Doctor Ezeani Accused of Ritual Murders: Police Rescue 13-Year-Old Girl and Arrest Accomplices
In a chilling revelation that has sent shockwaves across Enugu State and beyond, the Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to the alleged ritual murder and kidnapping orchestrated by a notorious native doctor known as Ezeani. The police also rescued a 13-year-old girl who was moments away from being killed for ritual purposes.
According to a press statement released on May 28, 2025, and signed by the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the main suspect, High Chief Levi Onyeka Obu, also known as “Ezeani” or “E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show”, is still at large and currently being hunted by security operatives.
How the Shocking Ritual Shrine Was Discovered in Ezeagu
In the early hours of May 27, 2025, at around 3:15 a.m., operatives from the Umumba Police Division, in collaboration with local Neighbourhood Watch personnel and alert community members, stormed a compound in Umuojor village, located in Ishiagu community, within Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. Their swift response led to the rescue of a young girl who had allegedly been kidnapped for ritual purposes.
The police operation did not just stop at rescuing the teenager. During a thorough search of the compound, which doubled as a shrine, law enforcement agents made a horrifying discovery. According to SP Ndukwe:
"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."
The police believe these victims were murdered recently and buried in the sealed pit by Ezeani and his accomplices for ritual purposes. The 13-year-old girl was just moments away from suffering the same cruel fate when she was rescued.
Three Suspects Arrested as Ezeani Flees
While the main suspect Ezeani managed to escape before law enforcement arrived, three other individuals were arrested in connection to the crime. The suspects have been identified as:
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Uche Kingsley Agumba (33 years old)
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Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi (36 years old)
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Ejike Odinwankpa (38 years old)
These men are currently in police custody as investigations continue. According to the statement:
"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."
Inside the Compound of Horror: What Community Members Found
Shocking videos circulated online show the gruesome state of the compound where these crimes allegedly took place. In some clips, community members are seen ransacking the area in a fit of rage and disbelief.
One particularly disturbing video shows what appears to be the body of a heavily pregnant woman, buried upright and kneeling, leading many to believe she and others were buried alive.
Community members reported discovering soakaway pits that had been sealed with concrete, where bodies had been disposed of. Locals suspect that the victims, including women and possibly children, were kidnapped and used for ritualistic practices meant to bring wealth or power to the perpetrators.
"I Was Just a Security Guard": One Suspect Pleads Innocence
One of the arrested individuals claimed to be a security guard hired to watch over the compound and chase away any intruders. However, his explanation did little to calm the angry crowd.
He was reportedly stripped and beaten by irate villagers who accused him of aiding and abetting the horrific crimes. Despite denying involvement in the actual killings, the man admitted to frequenting the compound for ritual consultations.
Governor's Swift Response: Buildings Demolished
In response to the horrific discoveries, the Enugu State Government has already taken action by demolishing the buildings owned by Ezeani, which were allegedly used to carry out these ritualistic murders.
"In line with its laws, the Enugu State Government has demolished the buildings owned by the fleeing prime suspect and used for the criminal enterprise," the statement said.
Police Commissioner Commends Operation, Vows Justice
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, visited the crime scene shortly after the successful operation. He praised the efforts of the police officers, local security operatives, and community members who risked their lives to bring the criminals to justice.
"He has also directed the Command's Tactical Squads, as well as Investigation and Intelligence Units, to intensify efforts in tracking down the fleeing suspect and other accomplices still at large, with a firm resolve to ensure justice is served," the statement added.
Who Is Ezeani? From Celebrated Native Doctor to Most Wanted Man
Before this scandal, Ezeani was a well-known figure in Enugu State. He was regarded by many as a “powerful” native doctor who claimed to have gone back to his roots. He had reportedly received multiple awards and enjoyed the support of many in the community.
However, his popularity began to raise suspicions as rumors of missing persons and ritual activity began to swirl around him. Many are now wondering how such horrific crimes could have been carried out so boldly under the noses of the community and local authorities.
Community Backlash: Houses and Cars Burned
The escape of Ezeani did not stop the community from venting their anger. According to local reports, enraged youths stormed the compound and burned down the houses and vehicles belonging to the now-infamous native doctor.
Videos show angry residents calling for justice while reducing his property to ashes, vowing that no such evil will be allowed to thrive again in their land.
Call for Vigilance and Justice
This case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked traditional practices being misused for criminal gain. As police continue their manhunt for Ezeani and possibly more accomplices, many Nigerians are calling for stricter regulations on traditional healing and spiritual practices.
The successful rescue of the 13-year-old girl offers a glimmer of hope, but it also highlights the need for better security, community vigilance, and swift justice in combating ritual killings in Nigeria.
NaijaRush will continue to follow this story as it develops. Stay tuned for updates on the search for Ezeani and further developments from the Enugu State Police Command.
Let us know what you think about this disturbing case. Is the government doing enough to tackle ritual killings in Nigeria? Share your thoughts in the comments.