The Enugu North Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of three suspects over their alleged involvement in a disturbing kidnapping and murder case in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
Among them is Obi Levi Obieze, a known ritualist, accused of abducting and killing multiple victims, including children.
Obieze, alongside Sabastine Emeka Offor and Odinwamkpa Ejike, was arraigned on Wednesday at Court 1, Enugu North Magisterial District. His Worship, Osondu Chukwuani, presided over the hearing.
The Enugu State Police Command brought a seven-count charge against the accused. The charges include conspiracy, kidnapping, use of personal violence, and murder. According to the charge sheet marked MEN/473c/2025, the crimes occurred between April and May 2025.
Police allege that the suspects kidnapped and assaulted multiple victims. These include a 13-year-old girl named Ukamaka, a 15-year-old boy named Chimaobi Ezi, and 31-year-old Joy Miracle Udokamma. Both Ezi and Udokamma were reportedly killed during the period.
The prosecutor, SP Justice Attah Esq, who heads the Police Legal Team, presented the charges. He stated that the offences are punishable under various sections of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, and the Criminal Code (Amendment) Law No. 14 of 2010.
Obieze and his accomplices pleaded not guilty to all charges. Despite the plea, the Magistrate emphasized that his court lacks the jurisdiction to handle capital offences such as murder.
He ordered the transfer of the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further review and appropriate charges at a higher court.
All three suspects have been remanded in prison custody pending further proceedings. The court adjourned the matter to August 20, 2025.
Notably, Obieze was arrested at the Badagry-Seme border, where he was allegedly attempting to escape the country. His arrest followed weeks of investigation into ritual killings that shook the Umumba Ndiagu community.
This case has raised major concerns across Enugu State, with many calling for swift justice for the victims and stronger security in rural areas.