APC official, others arrested over Ebonyi monarch’s abduction, murder

The Ebonyi State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Simbad Victor Ogbuatu, and eight others are in police custody for allegedly abducting and killing Eze Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu Alike Community in Ikwo Local Government Area.

 

Igwe, father of former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, was abducted on March 2 while heading to church. His body was later recovered after the suspects confessed to killing him about 24 hours after the abduction.

 

The police tracked the kidnappers using a Zenith Bank account number provided for ransom payment, leading to Ogbuatu’s arrest and subsequent revelations.

 

Police spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu confirmed the incident, stating that a gun battle ensued between operatives and the kidnappers, resulting in one suspect killed and eight arrested.

 

Governor Francis Nwifuru has condoled with the family, canceling a scheduled Executive Council meeting to visit them.

 

The Governor described the slain monarch as an “accomplished elder statesman” and assured that perpetrators would face the law.

 

Barr. Kelechi Igwe, the late monarch’s son and former Deputy Governor, thanked Nwifuru for efforts to rescue his father.