Anambra State Police have arrested 28-year-old Friday Akonobi in connection with the abduction and ritual killing of a six-year-old girl, Ozioma Nwankwo, kidnapped in Ebonyi State in May 2025.
According to police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect confessed to acting as an agent for an Enugu-based native doctor, Obieze Ezeani, who allegedly paid ₦1 million for each virgin girl delivered. Ezeani has also been arrested by Enugu State Police. Investigations continue to apprehend remaining accomplices.
Key Points:
The case highlights ongoing security threats to children and vulnerabilities in rural and inter-state border communities.
It underscores the persistent challenge of ritual killings and the criminal networks that facilitate them in parts of southeastern Nigeria.
Successful inter-state police collaboration sets a precedent for coordinated responses to kidnapping and ritual crime syndicates.
The payment of ₦1 million per victim indicates a commercial dimension to such crimes, incentivizing abduction.
Public awareness and vigilance remain critical, especially as suspects use social media to amplify notoriety.
Further arrests are anticipated as police intensify efforts to dismantle the kidnapping and ritual network involved in this tragic case.
Sources: Nigerian Tribune / Anambra State Police Command