The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a suspect, Friday Akonobi, in connection with the abduction and ritual k!lling of a six-year-old girl in a case linked to an Enugu-based alleged native doctor, Obieze Ezeani.
LIB reported that Ezeani, popularly known as “Edey Play” or “Edey Show”, was apprehended by the Nigerian Immigration Service while attempting to flee the country through a land border after bodies were discovered in soakaway pits in his compound in Umumba Ndiagu, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, January 18, 2026 said the victim, identified as Ozioma Nwankwo, was abducted from Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on May 10, 2025 and taken to the native doctor in Enugu State.
According to the PPRO, Akonobi confessed during interrogation to committing the crime in collaboration with four other accomplices currently at large.
The suspect claimed that the alleged native doctor, Obieze Ezeani, paid them the sum of N1m each to deliver a virgin girl to him.
He further stated that the victim was m8rdered and used for rituals.
“The Anambra State Police Operatives attached to Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu acting on credible information in the early hours of 17th January, 2026 arrested one Friday Akonobi, male, aged 28 years,” the statement read.
“The arrest is in connection with the abduction and murder of a six-year old girl, in a case linked to an Enugu-based alleged native doctor, Obieze Ezeani, popularly known as “Edey Play” or “Edey Show.”
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in the abduction of Late Miss Ozioma Nwankwo, a six-year old girl who was abducted on 10th May, 2025, from Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
“During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to committing the crime in collaboration with four other accomplices currently at large.
“He stated that the victim was taken to Enugu to the alleged native doctor Obieze Ezeani, and claimed that he and his accomplices acted as agents for him as he paid them the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) each for any virgin girl brought to him. He further stated that the victim was m8rdered and used for rituals.
“The suspect also stated that the said native doctor has since been arrested by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, a development that has generated public attention following the circulation of related videos on social media.
“The Anambra State Police Command assures members of the public that intensive efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice. Further developments will be communicated.”
