Anambra Police Arrest Suspect in Abduction and Killing of Six-Year-Old Girl

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the abduction and killing of a six-year-old girl, a case police say is linked to an Enugu-based alleged native doctor.

Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu arrested the suspect, identified as Friday Akonobi, in the early hours of January 17, 2026, following what the command described as credible intelligence.

According to preliminary police investigations, Akonobi is suspected to have participated in the abduction of Miss Ozioma Nwankwo, who was taken on May 10, 2025, from Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The child was later killed.

Police said the suspect, during interrogation, admitted to carrying out the crime alongside four other individuals who are currently at large. He allegedly told investigators that the child was taken to Enugu and handed over to an alleged native doctor, Obieze Ezeani, also known as “Edey Play” or “Edey Show.”

The suspect further claimed that he and his accomplices acted as agents for the alleged native doctor, who reportedly paid ₦1 million for each virgin girl delivered to him. Police said the suspect alleged that the victim was killed and used for ritual purposes.

The Anambra Police Command also confirmed that the alleged native doctor named by the suspect has been arrested by the Enugu State Police Command. The arrest has drawn widespread public attention, particularly after related videos circulated on social media.

In a statement released on January 18, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining suspects.

He assured the public that the command is committed to ensuring that all those involved in the crime are identified and prosecuted, adding that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.