Police have arrested nine suspects, including a member of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Simbad Victor, in connection with the abduction and murder 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 killed 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.
He also stated that one locally made pistol was recovered during the operation.
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 death 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.
“Members of the party cannot believe in their entire lives that the party can be associated with such act.
“We operate as a family to the extent that someone can vouch for another despite our normal party activities.”
The party chairman insisted that it would support the decision of the state government on the matter, in getting justice for the Igwe family.
“The governor, as the father of the state and leader of the party, cannot tolerate such evil act, no matter who is involved.
“We condemn whatever is condemnable, as whatever is evil is evil.
“All those who heard of the act and did not disclose it among other levels of involvement must receive equal measure of what they deserve,” he said.
He urged the deputy governor to be consoled because being strong would inspire consolation in those around him.
“I also urge the family and entire community to be consoled because the deputy governor needs your solace to be strong.
“The worst thing one can do against God is to take a life that you do not know how it was created,” he said.
The Palace Secretary of the community, Johnson Aloh, thanked the party for the visit, noting that the palace and community were totally devastated over the incident.
Mr Aloh regretted that such an act was perpetuated in Ebonyi when the state had become a model among states and a haven of peace.
“Truly, it was earth-shaking when we heard that the name of our dear party was soiled by the actions of an individual.“
“We, however, have the discerning spirit to differentiate the act of an individual from that of the party, as we know that the party can never indulge in such an act.
“We thank you for spearheading this fight and urge you to help in ensuring that bad eggs who want to tarnish the state’s image are checked,” he added.
