Operatives of the Ebonyi State Police Command have arrested a man identified as the suspected mastermind behind the abduction and killing of a traditional ruler in the state. The monarch, Ezeogo Francis Igwe of Ndufu Alike Ikwo, was kidnapped while travelling to church and later murdered by his captors after a ransom demand.
Police authorities said the prime suspect, Nwazunku Stephen, was apprehended following days of intelligence gathering and surveillance operations. He was arrested at a hideout in Ikwo and is currently assisting investigators with information related to the crime.
The arrest followed earlier operations that led to the detention of nine other suspects linked to the incident. Among those previously arrested was the state publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress.
Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu confirmed that one of the initial suspects guided officers from the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad to a concealed location used by the group.
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of several weapons and items, including a submachine gun, a pump-action rifle, three locally fabricated Beretta-style pistols, eleven rounds of 9mm ammunition, ten live cartridges, a machete, a shovel, and assorted charms.
Authorities stated that the operation formed part of ongoing investigations into the monarch’s abduction and killing. Police assured residents that efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the crime.
The development comes days after law enforcement announced the arrest of two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate. Investigators disclosed that the suspects admitted the monarch was killed on March 2 and volunteered to help officers locate the gang’s base and recover the victim’s remains.
Police reiterated their commitment to ensuring all those involved are brought to justice.
