By Deborah Nnamdi
Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the abduction and killing of a six-year-old girl, in a case linked to an Enugu-based alleged native doctor, Obieze Ezeani, popularly known as “Edey Play” or “Edey Show.”
The suspect, identified as Friday Akonobi, was arrested in the early hours of January 17, 2026, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, following what the police described as credible intelligence.
Confirming the arrest in a statement, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said preliminary investigations revealed that Akonobi was allegedly involved in the abduction of late Miss Ozioma Nwankwo, who was taken from Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on May 10, 2025.
Ikenga disclosed that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to committing the crime alongside four other accomplices who are currently at large.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspect alleged that the child was taken to Enugu and handed over to the alleged native doctor, adding that the group acted as agents in the operation.
“The suspect alleged that they were paid the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000) each for every virgin girl delivered to the native doctor,” Ikenga said, adding that the victim was later killed and allegedly used for ritual purposes.
The police further confirmed that the alleged native doctor has since been arrested by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, a development that has generated widespread public attention, particularly following the circulation of related videos on social media.
Assuring the public of the command’s commitment to justice, Ikenga said efforts had been intensified to track down the remaining suspects.
“The Anambra State Police Command assures members of the public that all necessary steps are being taken to arrest the fleeing accomplices and ensure that everyone involved in this heinous crime is brought to justice,” he said.
He added that further updates would be communicated as investigations continue.
