Police Nab Suspected Mastermind Of Ebonyi Monarch’s Kidnap, Killing

The Ebonyi State Police Command said it 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.

The monarch 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 (APC).

Confirming the development, the police public relations officer in the state, Joshua Ukandu, said in a statement on Tuesday that 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 one of the suspects guided operatives to his hideout on March 7, where the weapons were recovered during a search operation.

He added that on March 8, operatives arrested the alleged mastermind, Nwazunku Stephen, at his hideout in Ikwo after sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations.

The police spokesperson noted that the suspect has since provided useful information and is currently assisting the command in the ongoing investigation.

He assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all those connected to the crime would be apprehended and brought to justice.

The development comes a few days after the police announced the arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate.

According to the police, the suspects also confessed that the monarch had been killed on March 2 and volunteered to lead operatives to their hideout to assist in recovering his remains.