The Enugu State Government has commended the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigeria Police Force for the arrest of a fleeing suspected ritualist and kidnap kingpin, Obi Levi Obieze.
The suspect was apprehended by immigration officers along the Badagry-Seme border corridor.
In a statement released Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the government expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts among security agencies that led to the suspect’s capture.
It also acknowledged the effective inter-agency coordination that helped dismantle the criminal syndicate.
The statement further disclosed that Obieze’s mansions in his hometown of Umumba Ndiagu, Ezeagu Local Government Area, had been demolished earlier in the week in accordance with Enugu State laws.
The action was taken under Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State, which allows for the forfeiture and demolition of properties linked to kidnapping.
“This arrest has further empowered our resolve to ensure that justice is served on all individuals connected to the horrifying acts of kidnapping and ritual killings associated with the suspect,” Prof. Onyia said.
The government praised not only the efforts of the security agencies but also the vigilance of local community members in bringing the suspect to justice.
It reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on criminal activity and called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and neighborhood watch groups to remain alert and report suspicious individuals to the authorities.
“This administration will not tolerate any form of criminality in our communities,” the statement read. “Community leaders who harbor or conceal the identities of criminals will be treated as accomplices.”