“They Planted Dead Bodies in My Soakaway Because I’m the Next King” — Enugu Native Doctor Arrested While Fleeing Nigeria

A native doctor from Enugu State, Obi Levi Obieze, also known as Levi Obu Onyeka, who was recently arrested while attempting to flee Nigeria, has claimed that the dead bodies discovered in a soakaway pit at his residence were planted by enemies opposed to his ascension to traditional leadership in his village.

Obieze was intercepted on Thursday by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Road as he allegedly tried to cross into Benin Republic on a motorcycle. The suspect had been on the run after being declared wanted in connection with the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl and multiple suspected ritual killings.

The abducted girl was rescued from a shrine reportedly operated by Obieze in his hometown of Umuojor village, Isiagu community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. A search of the shrine led to the grim discovery of two decomposing bodies hidden in a soakaway pit sealed with concrete.

Three suspects linked to the abduction—Uche Kingsley Agumba, Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi, and Ejike Odinwankpa—were earlier arrested by the Enugu State Police Command. Obieze, however, evaded arrest until his capture at the border.

Following his arrest, Obieze denied all allegations. Speaking to immigration officers, he alleged that the entire case was a politically motivated setup to block his emergence as the next traditional ruler of his community. “They planted dead bodies in my soakaway because I’m the next king,” he said. “It’s all politics. They demolished my house and set me up.”

Obieze also denied being a native doctor, insisting he is a businessman based in Benin Republic, where he sells second-hand clothes (Okrika). When asked to provide a passport to support his claim, he admitted he had none and presented only an ID card.

He further alleged that a man who planted the bodies had already been apprehended and that he had previously answered to the matter. “I didn’t know the guy before. That was why I was free,” he claimed.

Obieze remains in custody as authorities continue investigations into the ritual killing and kidnapping allegations.