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The Temple of Justice Foundation, a non-governmental organization advocating for legal accountability, has raised alarm over what it describes as an “unacceptable delay” by the Enugu State Police Command in concluding the investigation and arraignment of High Chief Levi Onyema Obu, popularly known as Ezeani—a native doctor from Ezeagu Local Government Area accused of multiple heinous crimes including murder and kidnapping.
Ezeani was arrested on May 29, 2025, by the Nigerian Immigration Service while attempting to flee the country through a land border. His arrest followed grave allegations that include the discovery of decomposing bodies, reportedly including a heavily pregnant woman, buried in his compound, as well as the rescue of a 13-year-old girl from the scene.
Despite the gravity of the allegations and what appears to be strong preliminary evidence, the Temple of Justice Foundation says the police have failed to either complete the investigation or charge the suspect to court after more than two months in detention.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the Executive Director of the foundation, Ozo Alex Amujiogu, said:
“We are deeply worried that despite the shocking nature of the allegations and evidence reportedly found—including dead bodies and a rescued minor—the police have not provided a clear legal outcome or explanation. What is holding back the investigation or prosecution after over two months?”
Amujiogu stressed that the delay constitutes a gross violation of constitutional provisions, citing Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantee the right to personal liberty and fair hearing.
“The law is clear: an arrested person must be charged within 48 hours. Anything beyond that, particularly in a case where critical evidence is already in the hands of the police, violates the Constitution and the principle of justice,” he said.
The foundation noted that criminal investigations must not be allowed to drag on indefinitely, especially in a case attracting widespread public condemnation and where “tangible evidence has already been laid bare before the police.”
“This delay, in all intents and purposes, can no longer be tolerated,” Amujiogu declared. “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to have been done. However, in this case, we have not seen justice yet.”
Consequently, the Temple of Justice Foundation issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Enugu State Police Command to conclude their investigation and arraign Ezeani without further delay.
“In the unlikely event that the police authority fails, refuses, or neglects to heed our demand, we shall have no choice but to activate the prerogative writ of mandamus against them,” Amujiogu warned.Meanwhile, a police source who spoke anonymously to Journalist101 confirmed that efforts are underway to arraign the suspect, stating that,
“Barring any last-minute delays, he’ll be arraigned hopefully this week.”
The public and civil society continue to watch closely as calls mount for the Enugu State Police Command to ensure that due process is followed and justice served in what has become a highly controversial and disturbing case.
