Levi Obieze, a suspected native doctor from Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, is expected to be arraigned today, Wednesday, at the Enugu State Magistrate Court over alleged involvement in ritual killings.
Although efforts to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, for confirmation were unsuccessful, a reliable source within the Enugu State Government confirmed the development.
A public announcement published on one of the government’s official media platforms stated:
“In line with Governor Peter Mbah’s zero-tolerance policy on crime, the suspected ritualist, Levi Obieze, will be arraigned by the police today, Wednesday, August 6. Stay tuned for details.”
The case has drawn public attention since Obieze’s arrest two months ago at the Nigeria–Benin Republic border by operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Leading the calls for prosecution has been Human Rights lawyer and Executive Director of the Temple of Justice Foundation, Ozo Alex Amujiogu, who previously issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Enugu State Police Command to charge the suspect in court.
Amujiogu had expressed deep concern over what he described as a lack of prosecutorial action, despite reports that several decomposing bodies, including that of a heavily pregnant woman, were allegedly discovered in the compound belonging to Obieze.
A 13-year-old girl was also reportedly rescued from the scene.
“The continued detention of the suspect without trial, after two months, raises serious concerns. It is unacceptable and a breach of his constitutional rights. The police must explain why investigations have not been concluded,” Amujiogu said.
He reminded the authorities that Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees the right to a fair hearing and timely investigation for every Nigerian.
As at the time of this report, specific charges against Obieze have not been made public.
Detail shortly…
