A suspected ritualist, Obi-Levi Obieze, 40, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Enugu North Magistrates’ Court over alleged kidnapping and ritual killings in Enugu State.
Obieze, popularly known as “E dey play, E dey show,” was arraigned alongside Sebastine Offor, 64, and Ejike Odinwamkpa, 38. The trio faces a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the accused pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Presiding Magistrate O.S. Chukwuani ordered their remand at the Enugu Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the Enugu State Ministry of Justice. The court also informed the defendants of their right to seek bail at the State High Court.
Chilling Details of the Alleged Crimes
During the proceedings, Prosecuting Counsel SP Justice Attah alleged that in April 2025, the defendants and others currently at large conspired to kidnap three individuals — Ukamaka Okoye, 13; Chimaobi Ezi, 15; and Joy Udokamma, 31 — in Umuojo Isiagu, Umumba, located in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
Attah told the court that Ezi and Udokamma were allegedly killed, while Okoye was later rescued.
The offences, according to Attah, contravene:
Section 495(a) of the Criminal Code Cap 30, Vol II, Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2004
Section 315(2) of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Law, Enugu State No. 14 of 2010
The case was adjourned to August 20 for further hearing.
Background: How Obieze Was Caught
NAN recalls that Obieze, a known native doctor from Umuojo village in Isiagu, allegedly kidnapped 13-year-old Ukamaka Okoye on May 29, while she was walking to the farm with her father. He reportedly used three of his accomplices to abduct her.
She was rescued by vigilantes and Nigerian Police operatives, who stormed a suspected dungeon linked to Obieze. During the rescue, the remains of Joy Udokamma and Chimaobi Ezi were discovered in a pit on the premises.
Obieze was later apprehended by Customs officers along the Badagry-Seme Expressway while attempting to flee the country. He was subsequently handed over to Enugu authorities for prosecution.
