A native doctor in Enugu State has been arrested by the Nigeria Immigration Service while attempting to escape from the country after being accused of ritual killing.
The suspect, Onyeocha Okeke, had allegedly gone into hiding after he was mentioned in the ongoing investigation into the murder of a young man whose body was discovered mutilated in a nearby forest.
He was arrested by immigration authorities at a check point as he tried to leave Nigeria through an unauthorized route. He was suspected when he was unable to produce valid travel documents and also gave inconsistent statements during interrogation.
After a quick background check, the officers discovered that he was on a police watchlist. He was immediately arrested and later taken to the Enugu State Police Command for investigation.
According to police sources, Okeke had been called in for questioning days earlier but had gone on the run. The arrest is considered a major breakthrough in the case that has left the local community reeling.
The young man in his early twenties was reported missing days earlier. His body was later discovered in a bush, with vital body parts hacked off, raising suspicion of a ritual killing.
Locals allege the suspect conducted religious rituals and had clients from all over the state. Others think this is not the first time he has been suspected of such bizarre incidents.
The police affirm the investigation continues and further arrests will be made as they investigate the crime and possible accomplices.
