Praise in Church, Blood in the Shrine: Ariaria Trader Agumba Exposed as Accomplice to Enugu Ritualist Behind Kidnap and Murder of Pregnant Women.
che Kingsley, widely known as Agumba at the bustling Ariaria International Market in Aba, built his reputation as a God-fearing businessman, deeply involved in church activities and generous with his faith. But the man praised for his devotion and prosperity now stands exposed as a key accomplice in one of the most horrifying ritual syndicates to ever rock the South-East region of Nigeria.
The façade collapsed earlier this week when Agumba and others allegedly attempted to abduct a 13-year-old girl in the Ezeagu area of Enugu State. Their operation was thwarted by vigilant locals who apprehended the suspects, subjected them to a mob beating, and handed them over to security operatives. Eyewitness videos of the arrest, where Agumba confessed to multiple crimes under duress, have since gone viral, sparking outrage nationwide.
During interrogation, Agumba named the alleged mastermind — a notorious native doctor known as Ezeani, alias “E Dey Play, E Dey Show,” who has now been linked to the disappearance and murder of multiple women, including pregnant victims, for ritual purposes. Community sources revealed that Ezeani’s shrine, located in a remote part of Enugu State, was raided, and evidence of ritualistic practices — including shallow graves, fetish items, and decomposing remains — were discovered.
Shocked traders at Ariaria Market expressed disbelief, with many recounting how Agumba was seen as a “church pillar” who constantly preached repentance and had his vehicles covered in Christian stickers. “He always led morning prayers in the shop. We never suspected he could be involved in such evil,” one colleague said.
Investigators believe the syndicate may have operated for years, using religion and commerce as a smokescreen while luring victims across multiple states. The Enugu State Police Command is now working with other agencies to track down the remaining members of the group and examine potential connections to similar unsolved disappearances in Ebonyi, Abia, and Anambra states.
The chilling case has sparked renewed calls for community vigilance, as well as deeper scrutiny into individuals who weaponize religion to disguise heinous acts. Human rights activists are also demanding an overhaul of security surveillance in markets and rural communities, calling this a wake-up call for both spiritual and civic leaders.
As investigations continue, Agumba’s arrest is a stark reminder that even those cloaked in piety can hide monstrous secrets. Behind the holy façade, a trail of blood may lie — one that now demands justice for the voiceless victims who fell prey to a dangerous masquerade.
