By Sophia Afolabi
The Enugu State Government has vowed to prosecute alleged kidnap kingpin and suspected ritualist, Obi-Levi Obieze, to the full extent of the law following his arrest by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) along the Badagry-Seme border route.
The dramatic arrest was announced in a statement on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who praised the vigilance of immigration personnel whose routine patrol intercepted the fugitive suspect.
In a swift response, the Enugu State Government on Tuesday demolished two sprawling mansions belonging to Obieze in his hometown of Umumba Ndiagu, Ezeagu Local Government Area. The demolition, carried out under Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State, is part of the state’s crackdown on properties linked to criminal proceeds.
“The Enugu State Government received with satisfaction the arrest of the fugitive kidnap suspect, Levi Obieze. His properties were lawfully demolished in accordance with our anti-kidnapping statutes,” Onyia stated.
He added that the demolition of Obieze’s country homes “follows due process and is in line with extant laws regarding property linked to kidnapping.”
According to the officials, the properties, which featured high-walled compounds and a private borehole, were reduced to rubble to send a strong message that Enugu will not harbor criminals or allow their gains to stand.
Obieze is expected to be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Enugu State Police Command, where formal charges of kidnapping, conspiracy, and ritual murder will be filed. Security sources indicate that he is under investigation for a series of abductions dating back to 2023, many of which ended in tragedy.
“This arrest has fortified our resolve to pursue justice not only for the victims and their families but also for the peace of our communities,” Onyia said.
The state government also commended local vigilante groups, security agencies, and concerned community members who assisted in unmasking Obieze’s alleged network of collaborators across the region.
Onyia emphasized that anyone found aiding or abetting criminal activities including shielding fugitives will face prosecution as an accomplice. He urged traditional rulers, town union presidents, and neighborhood watch groups to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The state reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affected families and ensuring that all individuals connected to the case are held accountable.
