Enugu: Court remands native doctor, 2 others over alleged r!tual k!llings

Three men accused of kidnapping and killing two teenagers and a woman for ritual purposes have been arraigned before the Enugu North Magistrates’ Court.

The suspects—Obi Levi Obieze, also known as “Ozo Ezeani” or by the alias “E dey play, e dey show” (40), Sabastine Emeka Offor (64), and Odinwamkpa Ejike (38)—were brought before His Worship, Osondu Chukwuani, on a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder.

According to the charge sheet, MEN/473c/2025, the alleged crimes were committed between April and May 26, 2025, along Umuojo Road in Ishiagu village, Umumba Ndiagu community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Police prosecutor and head of the legal team, Justice Attah, informed the court that Obieze, a self-proclaimed native doctor, allegedly orchestrated the killings as part of ritual activities carried out in his shrine.

“That you, Obi Levi Obieze, also known as Ozo Ezeani or ‘E dey play, e dey show,’ and others now at large, conspired to commit kidnapping and unlawfully killed the victims in a diabolic ritual,” part of the charge read.

The victims were identified as Okoye Ukamaka (13), Chimaobi Ezi (15), and Joy Miracle Udokamma (31). Chimaobi and Joy were allegedly murdered after being abducted.

Counts five to seven of the charge focus on conspiracy to commit murder and the actual killings, offences punishable under Sections 494 and 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Laws of Enugu State.

Obieze was reportedly arrested at the Badagry-Seme border after fleeing the state. His capture was made possible through collaboration between the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other security agencies.

The defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In his ruling, Magistrate Chukwuani stated that the court lacked jurisdiction over capital offences, which can only be tried by a High Court. He directed that the case file be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice and reassignment.

The accused were remanded at the Enugu Custodial Centre, with the case adjourned until Tuesday, August 20, 2025, for mention.

This development is part of a broader crackdown by the Enugu State Government on ritual killings and cult-related crimes.

In May, Governor Peter Mbah’s administration demolished Obieze’s country home in Umumba Ndiagu under state laws that permit the destruction of properties linked to violent crimes. In June, Governor Mbah also submitted a proposed bill to the State House of Assembly titled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order.” The bill seeks to criminalize ritual practices, including money rituals (okite) and bulletproof charms (odeshi).

The case has sparked widespread outrage, with many residents demanding swift and firm justice for the victims.