The Anambra police command says it has arrested a suspect, Friday Akonobi, in connection with the alleged abduction and murder of a six-year-old girl from Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued in Awka and made available to journalists on Sunday.

Mr Ikenga said that operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, acting on credible information, arrested Akonobi, 28, in the early hours of January 17 in Awka.

According to him, the arrest is linked to the abduction and murder of the late Ozioma Nwankwo, who was abducted on May 10, 2025, in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi.

He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in the crime, which was also connected to an Enugu-based alleged native doctor, Obieze Ezeani, popularly known as “Edey Play” or “Edey Show”.

Mr Ikenga said that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to committing the crime in collaboration with four other accomplices currently at large.

He said that the suspect told the police that the victim was taken to Enugu and handed over to the alleged native doctor.

The police spokesperson said the suspect also confessed that he and his accomplices acted as agents for Mr Ezeani and were allegedly paid N1 million for each virgin brought to him.

According to Mr Ikenga, the suspect further stated that the victim was murdered and used for ritual purposes.

He said the suspect also disclosed that the alleged native doctor had since been arrested by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command.

Mr Ikenga assured the public that efforts were being intensified to arrest the remaining suspects and ensure that all those involved were  brought to justice. 

(NAN)