A video circulating online has captured the moment an Enugu native doctor and suspected kidnapper, Obi Levi Obieze, also known as Levi Obu Onyeka, appeared to be smiling in court following his arraignment for multiple grisly crimes, including the abduction of a minor and the alleged ritual killing of pregnant women.
Obieze, a resident of Umuojor village in the Isiagu community of Enugu State, was arrested by personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) while attempting to flee the country on a motorcycle.
He was intercepted at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme border in Lagos State on May 29.
His arrest came just days after angry youths in Ezeagu, Enugu, stormed his home on May 28, following an alleged failed attempt to abduct a 13-year-old girl for ritual purposes.
During the invasion, shocking discoveries were made, including multiple soakaway pits in his compound where bodies, reportedly of women used for rituals were allegedly buried.
The NIS confirmed the arrest in a statement by its public relations officer, ACI Akinsola Akinlabi.
According to the agency, Obieze admitted to the crimes during initial questioning.
A National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) enrolment slip found in his possession confirmed his identity.
The comptroller general of immigration, Kemi Nandap, praised the swift response of officers at the Lagos State Border Patrol Command, noting that Obieze was a wanted suspect linked to the abduction of the 13-year-old, who was reportedly taken on May 27 while walking to the farm with her father.
She was later rescued from a shrine allegedly associated with the suspect.
Police investigations also uncovered two decomposing bodies of pregnant women in separate soakaway pits within his compound, further fueling public outrage.
His house was set ablaze by enraged villagers shortly after the discovery.
Despite the serious allegations, Obieze appeared unfazed during his court appearance, with the video showing him smiling as he was led into the courtroom.
