The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, has confirmed the arrest of Obi Obieze, also known as Obu Onyeka, for alleged involvement in abduction, kidnapping, and ritual killing.

Mrs Nandap confirmed this in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, on Thursday in Abuja.

The NIS Comptroller-General said that the suspect had been declared wanted by the Enugu State Police Command.

She said that Obieze, a native of Umuojor village in Isiagu Community, Enugu State, and a known traditionalist, was allegedly involved in the abduction of a 13-year-old girl on Tuesday, May 27.

She stated, “According to reports, the girl was kidnapped by three men while walking to the farm with her father. She was later rescued by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force from a shrine allegedly linked to the suspect. The incident was first reported by a national daily on Wednesday, May 28. Acting on credible intelligence, officers of the NIS Lagos State Border Patrol Command apprehended Obieze at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Road while he attempted to flee the country on a motorcycle. The suspect was found in possession of a National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) enrollment slip, which confirmed his identity. During preliminary questioning, he reportedly confessed to the crimes.’’

Mrs Nandap, however, said that the NIS was working closely with the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a seamless handover of the suspect for further investigation and prosecution.

She reaffirmed the service commitment to national security and border control, stating that NIS would continue to support law enforcement agencies in the fight against cross-border crimes. 

(NAN)