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| NIS hands over Obi Levi Obieze to Lagos Police Command for further investigation in ritual murder and kidnapping case. |
On May 30, 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, formally handed over Obi Levi Obieze to the Lagos State Police Command for deeper investigation . Obieze, a native doctor from Enugu State, faces allegations of kidnapping a 13-year-old girl and carrying out multiple ritual killings .
The handover took place at the Ikeja Police Command headquarters. NIS officers in charge of border security met the police team at dawn. They transferred custody without any reported incident. The suspect was calm and cooperative during the brief ceremony.
Obieze was arrested on May 29, 2025, at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Road . He was trying to flee Nigeria on a motorcycle when immigration personnel detained him. Officers found his National Identity Management Commission slip on him, which confirmed his identity .
Intelligence reports had flagged Obieze as a wanted man. Enugu State police had declared him wanted days earlier. He was the prime suspect in the kidnapping of a teenager and the disappearance of two bodies from a shrine in his hometown . Security agents had tracked his movements through the border network.
Local police records show that on May 27, 2025, a 13-year-old girl was taken while walking with her father to a farm in Isiagu Community, Enugu State . The girl was later found alive in a local shrine believed to be run by Obieze. At the same site, officers uncovered two bodies sealed in a pit with concrete .
Governor’s office in Enugu described the site as a scene of horror. The two victims included a pregnant woman and another adult male. Police believe the killings funded ritual practices. Investigators say the suspect led a small gang in the crimes.
Three other suspects faced arrest in Enugu State. They remain in custody as police gather more evidence. Their names are Uche Kingsley Agumba, Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi, and Ejike Odinwankpa . Each faces charges for aiding in the abduction and concealment of bodies.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the handover on his X handle. He noted that the transfer of custody followed procedures and that the probe would intensify under police watch . No legal hurdles or protests arose during the handover.
The Comptroller of NIS in Lagos, DO Adebambo, oversaw the operation. He urged border officers to stay vigilant and to act on credible intelligence. He also praised the swift cooperation between the NIS and the police command.
Criminologist Dr. Amina Bello says inter-agency cooperation is key to stopping cross-border crimes. She points out that real-time info sharing can cut suspect escape routes. She calls for more tech at checkpoints to flag suspects early.
Security analyst Mr. Chuks Okoro notes that ritual killing cases can spread fear quickly. He urges deeper community outreach to demystify native doctor practices. He argues that clear laws and swift justice build public trust in law enforcement.
Residents in Enugu and Lagos voiced relief at the arrest. Many felt border patrols failed to act sooner. Some community leaders want more public updates on the probe. They ask police to guard the rescued teenager and support her recovery.
On social media, Nigerians praised immigration officers for the catch. Others questioned how the suspect eluded police for so long. A trending hashtag #JusticeForIsiagu called for full disclosure of the case facts.
Obieze now faces remand at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba. Police plan to arraign him on charges of kidnapping, murder, and conspiracy. Prosecutors say they will secure witness statements and forensic reports before trial.
Legal experts predict a high-profile trial. They say media scrutiny will stay intense. Some fear community pressure could sway judges. Others believe the evidence is strong enough to ensure conviction.
This case has exposed gaps in border checkpoints. Immigration officers must verify IDs more thoroughly. Many call for digital data links between police and NIS databases. They say linking NIMC records to watchlists could flag suspects sooner.
The Ministry of Interior may review training and tech needs for NIS staff. They hope to curb fleeing suspects in future. Proper cameras, licence-plate readers, and digital fingerprint scanners top their wish list.
As the Lagos State Police take over, focus turns to building a watertight case. Investigators will map the suspect’s network. They aim to trace funds used in the crimes. Witness protection appears critical, given fears of reprisals.
Victim support groups are stepping in to counsel the rescued girl. They stress that trauma care must match the legal push. Counsellors will work with her and her family to restore normal life.
We invite readers to discuss border security and crime prevention. How can agencies share intel faster? What role do local chiefs play in flagging suspects? Constructive ideas can guide policy makers.