The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested the suspected mastermind behind the abduction 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 after days of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
The monarch was abducted last Sunday while reportedly on his way to church. His captors later killed him after demanding ransom from his family and associates.
Earlier, the police had arrested nine suspects in connection with the crime, including the publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
Confirming the arrest on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, said the development followed ongoing investigations into the incident.
“In the course of our investigation into the kidnapping and murder of His Royal Highness Eze Francis Igwe, one of the suspects led operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad to his hideout on March 7, 2026,” Ukandu said.
He disclosed that a search of the location led to the recovery of several weapons and other items suspected to have been used by the criminal gang.
“During the operation, 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,” he stated.
Ukandu added that the alleged mastermind was later arrested during a follow-up operation carried out by the police.
“On March 8, 2026, operatives arrested one of the suspects and the alleged mastermind of the kidnapping and murder, identified as Nwazunku Stephen, at his hideout in Ikwo after sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations,” he said.
According to him, the suspect has begun cooperating with investigators.
“He has provided useful information and is currently assisting the command with ongoing investigations,” Ukandu noted.
The police spokesperson assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other individuals linked to the crime.
“The command remains committed to ensuring that everyone involved in this heinous act is arrested and brought to justice,” he added.
The police had earlier revealed that some suspects arrested in connection with the case confessed that the monarch was killed on March 2 and offered to assist security operatives in locating his remains.
