The police have arrested the suspected mastermind behind the kidnapping and killing of Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area.
The monarch, father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe, was abducted on March 1, 2026, while on his way to church in Ndufu-Alike.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, said that operatives arrested one of the suspects and the alleged mastermind, identified as Nwazunku Stephen, on March 8, 2026.
Ukandu explained that the suspect was apprehended at his hideout in Ikwo Local Government Area following sustained surveillance and intelligence-driven operations carried out by security operatives.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspect has since provided useful information and is currently assisting investigators in the ongoing probe.
He further revealed that on March 7, 2026, one of the suspects led operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad to his hideout.
A search conducted at the location led to the recovery of several weapons and items, including 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 assured the public that investigations are still ongoing and reiterated that all individuals connected to the crime would be tracked down and brought to justice.
The traditional ruler was reportedly killed a day after he was abducted.
What you should know
Francis Igwe was the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and the father of former Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe.
His abduction on March 1, 2026, while heading to church sparked widespread concern across the state and renewed calls for stronger security measures to address rising kidnapping cases in parts of Nigeria.
The monarch was reportedly killed a day after his abduction, prompting intensified investigations by the police, which have now led to the arrest of a suspected mastermind and the recovery of weapons believed to have been used by the kidnappers.
