Anambra Police Arrest Suspect Linked to Kidnap,Murder of Six-Year-Old Girl in Enugu

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested a suspect in connection with the abduction and murder of a six-year-old girl in a case linked to an alleged ritual killing syndicate operating between Ebonyi and Enugu States.
The suspect, identified as Friday Akonobi, a 28-year-old male, was arrested by officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, following credible intelligence.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the arrest was made in the early hours of Friday.
He disclosed that Akonobi is suspected to be directly involved in the kidnapping and murder of Miss Ozioma Nwankwo, a six-year-old girl who was abducted on 10 May 2025 from Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
SP Tochukwu stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the crime is linked to an Enugu-based alleged native doctor, Obieze Ezeani, popularly known as “Edey Play” or “Edey Show.”
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to committing the crime in collaboration with four other accomplices, who are currently at large. He further revealed that the group operated as agents for the said native doctor and was paid ₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira) for each virgin girl delivered to him.
The police spokesperson explained that the victim was allegedly transported to Enugu, where she was murdered and used for ritual purposes.
The suspect also disclosed that Obieze Ezeani has since been arrested by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, a development that has attracted widespread public attention following the circulation of disturbing videos related to the case on social media.
The Anambra State Police Command has assured members of the public that intensive investigations and manhunt operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and ensure that all individuals involved in the heinous crime are brought to justice.