Police Probe Abduction, Murder Ring as Arrested Native Doctor Denies Involvement

T The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old man, Friday Akonobi, in connection with the abduction and murder of a six-year-old girl, in a case allegedly linked to an Enugu-based native doctor, Obieze Ezeani, popularly known as “Edey Play” or “Edey Show.”

Akonobi was arrested in the early hours of January 17, 2026, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, following what the police described as credible intelligence.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in the abduction of late Miss Ozioma Nwankwo, a six-year-old girl who was kidnapped on May 10, 2025, from Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect confessed to committing the crime alongside four other accomplices who are currently at large.

“The suspect confessed that the victim was abducted and taken to Enugu, where she was handed over to an alleged native doctor, Obieze Ezeani,” Ikenga said.

According to the police spokesperson, the suspect claimed that he and his accomplices operated as agents for the native doctor, who allegedly paid them ?1 million for every virgin girl delivered to him.

“He further stated that the six-year-old victim was murdered and allegedly used for ritual purposes,” Ikenga added.

The police also disclosed that the alleged native doctor has since been arrested by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, a development that has attracted widespread public attention following the circulation of related videos on social media.

Assuring the public of ongoing efforts, Ikenga said the command is intensifying investigations to apprehend the remaining suspects and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.

“The Anambra State Police Command assures members of the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and bring all perpetrators to book,” he said, adding that further developments would be communicated in due course.