WANTED NATIVE DOCTOR NABBED AT BORDER: NIGERIA IMMIGRATION FOILS ESCAPE OF KIDNAP AND RITUAL MURDER SUSPECT

In a dramatic turn of events that underscores the intensifying efforts by Nigerian authorities to clamp down on heinous crimes, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested a notorious native doctor, Obi Levi Obieze, also known by his alias Levi Obu Onyeka, at the Badagry-Seme border. The suspect, who has been on the radar of law enforcement agencies for months, was intercepted while attempting to flee the country in what appears to be a desperate bid to evade justice.

According to official sources, Obieze was apprehended in the early hours of Thursday following a tip-off and weeks of close surveillance coordinated by the NIS in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other intelligence agencies. The arrest came as a result of intensified border security protocols instituted after several high-profile criminal cases linked to ritual practices and kidnappings shook public confidence in the country’s internal security.

Described by investigators as a "spiritual mastermind" behind a deadly syndicate responsible for a string of ritual killings and abductions across several states, Obieze's arrest has sent shockwaves through both traditional and digital communities. His activities, long shrouded in secrecy and cloaked under the guise of traditional medicine, had been the subject of an intensive manhunt after law enforcement uncovered disturbing evidence tying him to the gruesome disappearances of multiple individuals.

The suspect reportedly attempted to cross into Benin Republic using forged travel documents and under a false identity. NIS operatives stationed at the Seme border quickly noticed inconsistencies in his documentation and flagged him for further interrogation. It was during this process that the full extent of his identity was uncovered. Authorities say biometric scans and background checks conclusively revealed him as the fugitive native doctor wanted in connection with several criminal investigations.

Eyewitness accounts from the border post describe the arrest scene as tense and swift. “There was a lot of confusion initially because he tried to resist arrest. But the officers were firm and professional. When they finally confirmed his identity, the mood changed immediately,” said a local trader who operates near the checkpoint.

Following his arrest, Obieze was handed over to the appropriate security agencies and is currently being held in a high-security facility in Lagos State. A spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Command confirmed that he is facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, conspiracy to commit murder, and unlawful possession of human parts, among others. The spokesperson noted that Obieze is believed to be the spiritual anchor for a network of criminals who relied on his rituals to evade detection and fortify themselves against law enforcement operations.

The arrest has reignited public discourse about the role of certain traditional practices in modern criminal enterprises. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express relief that Obieze is finally in custody, with some calling for a broader investigation into other spiritualists who may be involved in similar nefarious activities. Activists and civil society organizations have also renewed calls for stronger regulation of traditional healing practices, pointing out that while many practitioners operate within the bounds of the law, individuals like Obieze exploit cultural beliefs for personal gain and horrific crimes.

In a press briefing held shortly after the arrest, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, praised the operatives for their diligence and commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders from criminal elements. She emphasized that the NIS remains committed to ensuring that the nation’s entry and exit points are not exploited by fugitives or those attempting to undermine national security. “This arrest is a testament to our resolve to make our borders impenetrable to criminals. We will continue to work with sister agencies to ensure justice is served,” Adepoju stated.

Obieze’s arrest also casts a spotlight on the troubling intersection between crime and superstition in some parts of the country. The suspect, reportedly revered in some communities as a powerful spiritualist, is now accused of orchestrating brutal crimes in the name of power, wealth, and protection. Authorities believe he conducted rituals using human body parts obtained through abductions, a chilling practice that has claimed numerous lives and sparked outrage nationwide.

Meanwhile, investigations into his criminal network are ongoing, with security forces reportedly closing in on his known associates. The police say they have recovered several items from his residence and shrine, including charms, ritual paraphernalia, and documents that may help in further unraveling the extent of his operations.

Human rights groups have welcomed the arrest, noting that bringing high-profile suspects like Obieze to justice sends a strong message that no one is above the law. “This is a crucial win for justice and for the families of the victims. It demonstrates that persistence and inter-agency collaboration can yield powerful results,” said Chidi Amah, a Lagos-based human rights advocate.

As Nigerians await the commencement of Obieze’s trial, the story of his capture is being heralded as a landmark achievement for border security and criminal justice in the country. While the full details of his alleged crimes are still emerging, the arrest alone offers a glimmer of hope in the ongoing battle against ritual killings, a dark and disturbing trend that has plagued various regions for far too long.

With Obieze now behind bars and his attempt to escape thwarted, the authorities are optimistic that this arrest will serve as a deterrent to others who may believe they can exploit traditional belief systems to perpetrate evil and escape the long arm of the law.