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The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested the alleged mastermind behind the kidnapping and killing of the traditional ruler of Ndufu Alike Ikwo, the late Ezeogo Francis Igwe.
The suspect, identified as Nwazunku Stephen, was apprehended by operatives of the command following sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance operations.
Igwe was abducted last Sunday while on his way to church and was later killed by his captors after they demanded a ransom.
Police had earlier arrested nine suspects in connection with the incident, including the state publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Joshua Ukandu, in a statement on Tuesday said one of the earlier suspects led operatives attached to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad to a hideout where arms and other items were recovered.
According to him, the recovered items included one SMG rifle, one pump-action rifle, three locally made Beretta pistols, eleven rounds of 9mm live ammunition, ten live cartridges, a machete, a shovel and assorted charms.
Ukandu said, “In furtherance of the Command’s ongoing investigation into the kidnapping and murder of HRH Eze Francis Igwe, on 7th March 2026, one of the suspects led operatives of the Command attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad to his lair.
“During a search of the location, officers recovered one SMG rifle, one pump-action rifle, three locally made Beretta pistols, eleven rounds of 9mm live ammunition, ten live cartridges, a machete, a shovel, and assorted charms.
“Furthermore, on 8th March 2026, operatives arrested one of the suspects and the alleged mastermind of the kidnapping and murder of the monarch, identified as Nwazunku Stephen, at his hideout in Ikwo after sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations. The suspect has since provided useful information and is currently assisting the command in the ongoing investigation.
“The Command assures the public that investigations are ongoing and all those connected to the crime will be apprehended and brought to justice.”
This came a few days after the police announced that it arrested two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate.
The police also revealed that the suspects 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 police said.
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