The Ebonyi State Police Command has apprehended the 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 arrested by police operatives of the command following sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance operations.
Igwe was kidnapped last Sunday while on his way to church and was later killed by his captors after they demanded a ransom.
The force had earlier arrested nine suspects in connection with the incident, including the state publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state’s police public relations officer, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the development, saying that one of the earlier suspects led agents from the command’s anti-kidnapping squad to a hideout where rifles and other materials were seized.
According to him, the retrieved items included one SMG rifle, one pump-action rifle, three locally manufactured Beretta handguns, eleven rounds of 9mm live ammo, ten live cartridges, a machete, a shovel, and various charms.
Ukandu stated, “In furtherance of the Command’s ongoing investigation into the kidnapping and murder of HRH Eze Francis Igwe, on March 7, 2026, one of the suspects led operatives from the Command’s 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 just a few days after the police announced the arrest of two people thought to be part of the kidnapping syndicate.
The police also revealed that the accused admitted to killing the monarch on March 2.
“They further volunteered to lead operatives to their hideout and assist in recovering the monarch’s remains,” the police said.
