Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command attached to the Umumba Division, in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch personnel and community members have arrested three suspected ritualists in the state.
The operatives also rescued a 13-year-old girl (name withheld), allegedly kidnapped for ritual murder, at Umuojor village in Ishiagu community of Ezeagu local government area of Enugu State.
The three arrested male suspects connected to the crime include 33-year-old Uche Kingsley Agumba, Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi, 36; and Ejike Odinwankpa, 38 years.
Spokesman of the Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the arrests, stated that the prime suspect, identified as High Chief Levi Onyeka Obu a.k.a. ‘Ezeani’ and ‘E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show,’ a native doctor and prominent member of the community, fled the scene and currently at large.
Ndukwe disclosed that during the operation, two decomposing bodies comprising one male and one female were discovered buried in a concrete-sealed pit within an uncompleted building which is owned and used as a shrine for heinous criminal activities by the fleeing prime suspect.
He added that investigations revealed that the deceased victims were recently murdered and buried in the pit by the suspects for ritual purposes, and that the rescued child was moments away from suffering the same fate before the timely intervention.
The Enugu Police Spokesman stated that in line with the laws, the Enugu State Government has demolished the buildings owned by the fleeing prime suspect.
He disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Bitrus Giwa, who has visited the crime scene, commended the operatives, local security groups, and community members, whose collaboration ensured the success of the operation.
He has also directed the Command’s Tactical Squads, as well as Investigation and Intelligence Units, to intensify efforts in tracking down the fleeing suspect and other accomplices still at large, with a firm resolve to ensure that justice is served.
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