The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the abduction and murder of a six-year-old girl, a case that has gripped communities across the Southeast with shock and outrage. The suspect, identified as Friday Akonobi, 28, was taken into custody in the early hours of January 17, 2026, by the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following “credible intelligence,” police say.
In a statement released on Sunday, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed details of the arrest and the chilling circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance and death. According to Ikenga, Akonobi “was arrested…in connection with the abduction and murder 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.’”
Preliminary police investigations suggest the heinous crime was part of a broader syndicate allegedly operating across state lines. The victim, Miss Ozioma Nwankwo, was reportedly abducted on May 10, 2025, from Ikwo Local Government Area in Ebonyi State. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in the abduction of the late Miss Ozioma Nwankwo…” Ikenga said, adding that Akonobi confessed during interrogation that he acted in collaboration with four other accomplices who remain at large.
Investigators allege that the abducted child was taken to Enugu State and handed over to the alleged native doctor, where Akonobi and his accomplices reportedly served as agents. The police statement noted that the suspects were allegedly paid ₦1 million each for any “virgin girl delivered” to the purported ritual practitioner.
“He further stated that the victim was murdered and used for ritual purposes,” according to the police statement, underscoring the alleged brutality of the crime.
The police said that the alleged native doctor, Obieze Ezeani, known locally as “Edey Play” or “Edey Show,” has also been arrested by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command. This development has drawn public attention, particularly after videos connected to the matter circulated widely on social media, prompting heightened scrutiny of ritual practices and child protection issues in the region.
While Akonobi remains in custody, the police command has assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and bring all those involved to justice. SP Ikenga said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
The investigation into Ozioma’s killing has sent shockwaves through communities in Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states, raising urgent questions about child safety and the operations of criminal networks exploiting vulnerable children under the guise of traditional practices.
