Security operatives in Enugu State have uncovered a human skull at a construction site belonging to one Prophet Chinedu Solomon Ezedike, the founder of a controversial church named the Synagogue, located in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area.
The discovery comes in the wake of the shocking murder of four siblings in the area, a crime that has sent ripples of outrage across the state.
The operation, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Igbo-Eze South in collaboration with other security agencies, was carried out at the Abile Hill area of Isi-Agu, Ibagwa-Aka. The building is one of the properties reportedly linked to the embattled cleric.
Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government, Barrister Ferdinand Ukwueze, confirmed the incident in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Monday.
He stated that the operation was part of effort by security forces to dismantle suspected criminal hideouts within the local government.
“Two days ago, yet in the course of combing locations reasonably suspected to be solitary sites and camps of divers shades of criminal activities, acting on intelligence, I visited a site at Abile Hill, Isi-Agu, Ibagwa-Aka, in the company of the Divisional Police Officer of Igbo-Eze South, and other security operatives,” he said.
According to him, the location, which was under construction as a religious center for Prophet Ezedike, turned out to be a suspected site for ritual activities.
“To our greatest dismay, a human skull and a ritual staff were discovered from the site, lending further credence to the disturbing and tragic circumstances surrounding the claims and allegations against Ezedike. The recovered items were duly handed over to the Police for further examination as investigations continue,” Ukwueze revealed.
Meanwhile, the LG boss assured the public that the local government, under the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, is committed to rooting out crime in all forms, promising that more such locations would be investigated and brought down.
“More of these hidden locations will be discovered and visited, as we remain relentless in our pursuit against all forms of criminality in our Local Government Area,” he added.
“I reassure you; under the administration of His Excellency the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, there will be no hiding place for crimes of any form. We are pursuing an egalitarian society where sons and daughters of Enugu State can aspire and become anything of their choices legitimately without any fear of criminal molestation.”
Ukwueze also commended the efforts of various security stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), the military, Igbo-Eze South Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and residents who provided critical intelligence.
“I deeply appreciate the coordinated support of the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), the Military, the gallant men of Igbo-Eze South Neighbourhood Watch, the Forest Guards, and all well-meaning individuals who have provided intelligence and cooperation over the past weeks,” he stated.
“Society will keep deteriorating when good people keep mute in the face of crime. Together, we must protect our land,” he urged.
In an earlier update, the council chairman had also confirmed the demolition of the main structure where the murder of the four children allegedly took place.
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“We stood with the good people of Ibagwa-Aka as we demolished the stronghold of Prophet Chinedu Solomon Ezedike who is linked to the heartbreaking murder of four innocent siblings,” Ukwueze wrote.
“This is a clear message from the administration of His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah that Criminals have no hiding place in Enugu State!
“Let the world know! Igbo-Eze South will no longer tolerate evil in any form.”
Meanwhile, the killing of the four siblings, which occurred several weeks ago, had been condemned and calls for justice in Enugu.
Also, the discovery of ritual items at another property linked to the accused pastor has further raise concerns over the extent of alleged criminal activities tied to his name.
However, investigations into the matter are ongoing.
