Ebonyi Police nab four in shocking organ harvesting plot, 173 criminals rounded up

By Christian Ogbonna

The Ebonyi State Police Command announced the arrest of 177 suspected criminals in October 2024, including four individuals alleged to be involved in organ harvesting and ritual killings.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, made this disclosure at a press conference on Friday in Abakaliki. He stated that the arrested suspects comprised 162 males and 15 females.

“Ninety-two of the suspects have been charged to court, while investigations on others are ongoing,” Ukandu said, on behalf of Commissioner of Police, CP Anthonia Uche-Anya.

Ukandu highlighted the command’s intensified efforts to curb crime in Ebonyi through strategic stakeholder engagement, aimed at fostering a safe environment for economic growth.

“Our operatives are committed to making the state secure for all residents,” he added.

Regarding the alleged organ harvesting, Ukandu recounted that on October 11, Mrs. Blessing Chikezie reported her husband, Mr. Idenyi Chikezie, missing after he left for a business trip to Lagos in early September.

Following a thorough investigation, the police apprehended Innocent Elebe, Eze Elechi, Obinna Nwanguru, and Oda Peter, who later confessed to killing Idenyi Chikezie, Chibu Odii, and Eze Fabian on separate occasions, allegedly to extract organs for ritual purposes.

Ukandu confirmed the recovery of the bodies of Idenyi and Odii, with efforts underway to locate the third victim’s remains.

Other arrests included suspects involved in kidnapping, murder, armed robbery, and unlawful firearm possession.