Police Arrest APC Publicity Secretary Over Abduction and Killing of Ebonyi Monarch

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested nine suspects, including a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in connection with the abduction and killing of a traditional ruler, Francis Igwe, the father of former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe.

Authorities said the arrests followed a swift police operation launched after the monarch was kidnapped while on his way to church in Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The shocking incident has sent waves of grief and outrage across the state, particularly because of the status of the victim as a respected traditional leader and the involvement of individuals believed to be part of a political party structure.

According to police authorities, the late Francis Igwe was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while travelling to attend church service in his community.

The spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident and explained that security operatives immediately began a search operation after receiving the report.

Police intelligence teams reportedly deployed both technical surveillance and human intelligence networks to track down the kidnappers responsible for the crime.

The investigation quickly led to the arrest of two suspects, who authorities believe were members of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the abduction.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that the traditional ruler had already been killed shortly after his abduction.

According to the police statement, the suspects told investigators that the monarch was murdered on March 2, barely a day after he was taken from the road while heading to church.

Police authorities said the suspects offered to cooperate with investigators and volunteered to lead security operatives to the gang’s hideout, where they claimed the remains of the monarch could be recovered.

However, the operation soon turned violent.

Ukandu said that as police officers approached the location identified by the suspects, other members of the criminal gang opened fire on the police team, leading to a gun battle between security forces and the kidnappers.

The police operatives reportedly responded with superior firepower, eventually overpowering the attackers.

“In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene,” Ukandu said.

Despite the escape of some members of the gang, police continued their search operations and eventually arrested seven additional suspects, bringing the total number of suspects currently in custody to nine.

During the police operation, security agents also recovered a locally made pistol, which investigators believe may have been used by members of the gang during criminal activities.

Authorities confirmed that the remains of the slain traditional ruler were eventually recovered following the raid on the suspects’ hideout.

The body has since been deposited in a morgue, where an autopsy will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police authorities say efforts are still ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate, who escaped during the confrontation with security forces.

Ukandu stated that the suspects currently in custody would be formally charged in court once investigations are concluded.

The arrest of one of the suspects, identified as Simbad Victor, who is reportedly a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, has generated significant political controversy.

Reports indicated that the suspect was not just a party member but also served as a publicity secretary within the party structure in the state.

The revelation has caused widespread shock within the APC leadership in Ebonyi.

The Chairman of the APC in Ebonyi State, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, expressed deep shock over the development while leading a party delegation on a condolence visit to the late monarch’s family in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area.

Speaking during the visit, Okoro-Emegha said the news of a party official being linked to the crime was extremely disturbing.

He admitted that the report had left him deeply embarrassed and emotionally shaken.

“The report is unheard of, as I do not have the confidence to face the public since the past two days,” he said.

According to him, many members of the party were finding it difficult to believe that one of their own could be associated with such a heinous crime.

He explained that the party often operates like a close family where members trust and support one another, making the allegation even more shocking.

“Members of the party cannot believe in their entire lives that the party can be associated with such an act,” he said.

Despite the embarrassment caused by the development, the APC chairman said the party would fully support the state government in ensuring that justice is served.

He stressed that the administration of the state governor, who also serves as the leader of the party in Ebonyi, would not tolerate criminal activities regardless of who is involved.

“The governor, as the father of the state and leader of the party, cannot tolerate such evil act, no matter who is involved,” Okoro-Emegha said.

He emphasised that the party would condemn wrongdoing wherever it occurred.

“We condemn whatever is condemnable, as whatever is evil is evil,” he stated.

He further warned that anyone who had prior knowledge of the crime but failed to report it should also face appropriate punishment.

“All those who heard of the act and did not disclose it among other levels of involvement must receive equal measure of what they deserve,” he said.

The death of the traditional ruler has left the entire Ndufu-Alike community in deep mourning.

During the condolence visit by the APC delegation, the Palace Secretary of the community, Johnson Aloh, described the incident as a devastating tragedy for both the palace and the wider community.

According to him, residents were shocked that such a violent act could occur in a state that had long been regarded as peaceful.

“The palace and the entire community are totally devastated over the incident,” Aloh said.

He added that it was particularly painful that the crime occurred in Ebonyi State, which he described as a place known for relative peace and stability.

“Truly, it was earth-shaking when we heard that the name of our dear party was soiled by the actions of an individual,” he said.

Despite the allegations involving a party member, the community leadership said it understood that the actions of an individual should not be used to judge an entire political party.

Aloh emphasised that residents were able to distinguish between personal wrongdoing and the position of the party as an institution.

“We have the discerning spirit to differentiate the act of an individual from that of the party, as we know that the party can never indulge in such an act,” he said.

He also commended the APC leadership for visiting the community and showing solidarity with the grieving family.

The palace secretary urged authorities to ensure that individuals responsible for tarnishing the image of the state are properly dealt with.

“We thank you for spearheading this fight and urge you to help ensure that bad eggs who want to tarnish the state’s image are checked,” he added.

Police authorities say investigations are still ongoing as they work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and killing of the traditional ruler.

Security agencies are also continuing their efforts to arrest the remaining members of the criminal gang who managed to escape during the police operation.

The Ebonyi State Police Command has assured residents that all suspects involved in the crime will be prosecuted and that justice will ultimately be served for the late monarch and his family.