The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old man, Friday Akonobi, in connection with the abduction and killing of a six-year-old girl in a case that investigators say is linked to an Enugu-based alleged native doctor, Obieze Ezeani.
The arrest was carried out in the early hours of Friday, January 17, 2026, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu, following what police described as credible intelligence. The development comes amid heightened public concern over ritual-related crimes in the region.
Details of the Case
In a statement issued on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, identified the victim as Ozioma Nwankwo, a six-year-old girl who was abducted on May 10, 2025, from Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that Akonobi allegedly participated in the abduction and later transportation of the child to Enugu State, where she was handed over to Obieze Ezeani, an alleged native doctor.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to acting alongside four other accomplices who are currently on the run. He claimed that the group operated as agents for the native doctor and were promised financial rewards for delivering young girls to him.
Alleged Financial Motive and Confession
Police said the suspect alleged that Obieze Ezeani paid N1 million to each accomplice for every virgin girl brought to him. Akonobi further claimed that the victim was later killed and used for ritual purposes.
The police emphasized that the confession remains part of an ongoing investigation and that further corroboration is being pursued.
Link to Earlier Arrest in Enugu
The case is reportedly connected to the recent arrest of Obieze Ezeani, also known as “Edey Play” or “Edey Show,” who was apprehended by the Nigerian Immigration Service while allegedly attempting to flee the country through a land border. His arrest followed the discovery of bodies in soakaway pits at his residence in Umumba Ndiagu, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, a development that has attracted widespread attention on social media.
Police Assurances
The Anambra State Police Command assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining suspects involved in the crime. The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all individuals connected to the case are brought to justice.
Police authorities also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide useful information to security agencies, stressing that further updates will be communicated as investigations progress.
Source: Africa Publicity
