A suspected ritualist, Obi-Levi Obieze, 40, was on Wednesday arraigned before the 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), all three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Presiding magistrate, O.S. Chukwuani, ordered that they be remanded at the Enugu Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Enugu State Ministry of Justice.
The magistrate also informed the defendants of their right to seek bail at the State High Court.
Prosecution’s Case
Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, SP Justice Attah, told the court that the defendants, along with others still at large, conspired in April 2025 to kidnap three individuals: Ukamaka Okoye, 13; Chimaobi Ezi, 15; and Joy Udokamma, 31.
Attah alleged that Ezi and Udokamma were subsequently murdered, while Okoye was later rescued.
The incident reportedly occurred in Umuojo Isiagu, Umumba community, located in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The offences, he noted, are punishable under:
Section 495(a) of the Criminal Code Cap 30, Vol II, Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2004, and
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: Rescue and Arrest
NAN recalls that Obieze, a known native doctor from Umuojo village, allegedly abducted 13-year-old Ukamaka Okoye on May 29, while she was walking to the farm with her father.
She was rescued from a suspected dungeon by vigilante operatives and police officers, during which the remains of Joy Udokamma and Chimaobi Ezi were discovered in a pit at the location.
Obieze was later arrested by Nigeria Customs officials along the Badagry-Seme expressway, allegedly while attempting to flee the country. He was subsequently returned to Enugu to face prosecution.
