Police in Ebonyi State have arrested nine suspects, including a member of the All Progressives Congress, over the abduction and killing of the father of a former deputy governor of the state.
The victim, Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area, was kidnapped on March 1, 2026, while on his way to church.
The spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, Joshua Ukandu, said operatives launched an intensive search operation immediately after the incident was reported.
He explained that the deployment of intelligence and technical resources led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that the monarch was killed on March 2 and offered to lead the police to their hideout to recover his remains.
Ukandu said that while approaching the hideout, other members of the gang opened fire on the police team, leading to a gun battle.
“In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene,” he said.
The police later arrested seven additional suspects, bringing the total number of those in custody to nine. A locally made pistol was also recovered during the operation.
Ukandu added that the remains of the slain monarch had been recovered and deposited in a morgue for autopsy, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
The suspects will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress in Ebonyi State has expressed shock over the alleged involvement of one of its members in the crime.
The party’s state chairman, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, made this known during a condolence visit to the family of the slain monarch in Ndufu-Alike.
Okoro-Emegha described the report as shocking, noting that the party could not believe that one of its officials would be linked to such an act.
He said the party would support any decision taken by the state government to ensure justice for the Igwe family, stressing that no one involved in the crime should be shielded.
The palace secretary of the community, Johnson Aloh, who received the delegation, thanked the party for the visit but lamented the tragic incident.
Aloh said the community was devastated by the killing, noting that such an act was unexpected in a state known for peace.
He, however, emphasised that the community understands the difference between the actions of an individual and the position of the party, and urged authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
