The Enugu State Police Command conducted a significant operation in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, uncovering a suspected ritual site at an uncompleted church building known as Synagogue, located at Abile Hill, Isi-Agu, Ibagwa-Aka. The raid, spearheaded by the Divisional Police Officer of Igbo-Eze South and supported by personnel from other security agencies, followed public outcry over the alleged murder of four siblings in Eche Ezema village. The site is owned by Prophet Chinedu Ezedike, the prime suspect in the killings, who was arrested alongside an administrator identified as Oluchi.
The police operation yielded disturbing findings, including a human skull and a ritual staff, which have been taken into custody for forensic examination. These items have raised suspicions of ritualistic activities at the Synagogue, intensifying scrutiny of Ezedike’s operations. The raid was part of a broader investigation into the cleric’s properties, prompted by the brutal murder of Kamsiyochukwu Ezema (7), Ezinne Ezema (6), Ujunwa Ezema (5), and Chinedu Ezema (2) on May 16, 2025.
The tragic incident occurred at another property linked to Ezedike, also in Igbo-Eze South, where the four siblings were allegedly killed with a pestle. The motive for the killings remains under investigation, with police yet to establish whether the act was driven by ritualistic intent or other factors. The primary crime scene, described as a hideout used by Ezedike, was demolished by the Enugu State Government on the orders of Governor Peter Mbah, who has vowed to eradicate criminal enclaves in the state.
Governor Mbah’s administration has taken a firm stance against crime, with the demolition of the initial crime scene signaling a broader crackdown on suspected criminal hideouts across Enugu State. The governor’s directive aligns with ongoing efforts to restore security and public trust in the region, particularly in Igbo-Eze South, which has been rocked by this high-profile case. The Enugu State Police Command has assured residents that all properties linked to Ezedike will be thoroughly investigated to uncover additional evidence.
Prophet Chinedu Ezedike, who operated the Synagogue as a religious center, had reportedly gained a following in the area before the allegations surfaced. The discovery of the human skull and ritual staff has fueled speculation among locals about the true nature of his activities, though police have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims. The investigation is focused on determining the extent of Ezedike’s operations and whether other individuals were complicit in the alleged crimes.
The Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area Chairman, Ferdinand Ukwueze, has publicly condemned the killings and vowed to ensure justice for the victims. Speaking to reporters, Ukwueze emphasized the local government’s commitment to rooting out criminality and supporting the police in their investigations. He described the murders as a “heinous act” that has left the community in mourning and called for calm as authorities work to bring all perpetrators to justice.
The four siblings, all children of the same family, were laid to rest amid widespread grief in Eche Ezema village. Their deaths have sparked outrage across Enugu State, with community leaders and residents demanding accountability and stricter oversight of religious institutions. The case has also reignited debates about the regulation of self-proclaimed prophets and spiritual leaders in Nigeria.
Police investigations are ongoing, with forensic teams analyzing the recovered skull to determine its origin and any potential links to the murdered siblings. The ritual staff, described as an ornate object possibly used in ceremonial practices, is also under scrutiny to establish its significance in Ezedike’s alleged activities. Authorities have indicated that additional raids on properties associated with the suspect may be conducted as new leads emerge.
The Enugu State Police Command has deployed additional resources to Igbo-Eze South to maintain order and prevent retaliatory actions by aggrieved residents. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, stated that the police are working tirelessly to ensure a thorough investigation and urged anyone with information about Ezedike’s activities to come forward. Ndukwe also clarified that Oluchi, the administrator arrested alongside Ezedike, is being questioned to determine her role in the Synagogue’s operations.
The case has drawn significant attention on social media platforms, with posts on X reflecting public anger and calls for justice. Some users have shared unverified claims about Ezedike’s past, but these have not been corroborated by official sources. The police have cautioned against the spread of misinformation, emphasizing that only verified findings will guide the investigation.
Governor Mbah’s swift response, including the demolition of the initial crime scene, has been praised by some residents as a decisive action against crime. However, others have raised concerns about the destruction of potential evidence, though the government has clarified that the site was thoroughly documented by police before its demolition. The governor has also promised to provide support to the victims’ family and to strengthen security measures in Igbo-Eze South.
The Enugu State Government has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with security agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future. Plans are underway to review the activities of religious and spiritual organizations in the state to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. This initiative aims to address vulnerabilities that may allow criminal elements to operate under the guise of religion.
The investigation into Prophet Chinedu Ezedike’s activities is expected to expand as police explore potential connections to other unsolved cases in the region. Authorities are also examining the Synagogue’s financial records and membership to identify any patterns of exploitation or coercion. The outcome of these inquiries could have far-reaching implications for how religious institutions are monitored in Enugu State.
As the case unfolds, the people of Igbo-Eze South remain united in their grief and determination to seek justice for Kamsiyochukwu, Ezinne, Ujunwa, and Chinedu Ezema. The Enugu State Police Command has pledged to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of truth and accountability. The community awaits further updates as the investigation progresses, with hopes that the perpetrators will face the full weight of the law.
