Police have arrested nine suspects, including a member of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Simbad Victor, in connection with the abduction and m8rder of the father of former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe.
The victim, Francis Igwe, who was the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state, was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while on his way to church.
The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Joshua Ukandu, who confirmed the incident said operatives launched intensive operations immediately after the abduction was reported.
Ukandu explained that deploying technical and intelligence assets led to the arrest of two suspects who he believes to be members of the kidnapping syndicate.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that the monarch had been k!lled on March 2.
“They further volunteered to lead operatives to their hideout and assist in recovering the monarch’s remains,” the statement read.
However, while approaching the hideout, other gang members allegedly opened fire on the police team.
Ukandu said the operatives responded with superior firepower, overpowering the criminals during the gun battle.
“In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene,” he added.
The police spokesman confirmed that seven additional suspects were later arrested, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to nine.
Ukandu said the remains of the slain traditional ruler had been recovered and deposited in a morgue for autopsy.
The suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts continue to arrest other fleeing gang members.
He added that the suspects would be charged in court after thorough investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has expressed shock at its member’s involvement in the kidnap and eventual d3ath of the monarch.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that confirmed reports indicate that the party’s publicity secretary in the state was involved in the act.
The APC Chairman in Ebonyi, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, expressed shock on Saturday when he led a party delegation on a condolence visit to Mr Igwe’s family in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA).
Mr Okoro-Emegha said the news of the party executive’s complicity was so shocking that he could not face the public.
“The report is unheard of, as I do not have the confidence to face the public since the past two days,” he said.b
