- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has foiled attempt by a suspected kidnapper and ritualist, Obi Obieze, to flee from Nigeria following discovery of human bodies at his residence.
Obiezie had been declared wanted after the bodies of kidnap victims, including a heavily pregnant woman, were found buried in his compound in Unojo, Umumba Ndi-Agu, Ezeagu Local Government Area.
He was arrested during attempt to flee through the Badagary-Seme border in Lagos.
Confirming his arrest in a statement issued on Friday, the NIS Comptroller General, , Kemi Nandap disclosed that Obieze was declared wanted by the Enugu State Police Command for alleged involvement in abduction, kidnapping, and ritual killing.
According to the statement, Obieze, a resident of Umuojor village in Isiagu Community, Enugu State, and a known native doctor, was alleged to have also been involved in the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl on Tuesday but was rescued by the police.
“The victim was reportedly abducted by a group of three men while walking with her father to farm.
“She was subsequently rescued by the police from a shrine purportedly linked to the suspect.
“Through credible intelligence, Obi Levi Obieze was apprehended by vigilant men of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Border Patrol Command, at Gbaji checkpoint along Badagry-Seme Road while attempting to flee the country on a motorcycle.” The statement read.
The NIS said he is currently in custody where he already admitted to his crimes.
“He is currently in custody and his identity has been confirmed through a National Identity
Management Commission enrollment slip found in his possession. During initial questioning, he admitted to the alleged crimes.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service is collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force for the suspect’s handover and further investigation while reaffirming its commitment to Border Security.” The statement read further.