Governor Announces Arrest of APC Publicity Secretary in Connection with Ebonyi Monarch’s Kidnapping and Murder
The Ebonyi State Government has officially confirmed the detention of Mr. Simbad Ogbuatu, the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, regarding his suspected role in the kidnapping and subsequent death of Chief Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area.
Governor Francis Nwifuru revealed this development on Saturday during a condolence visit to the late monarch’s family.
Chief Igwe, father of former Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe, was abducted by suspected kidnappers and later died while in their custody, allegedly due to injuries sustained from physical assault.
The governor stated that Ogbuatu came under investigation after security agencies traced a bank account used during ransom negotiations back to him.Â
During a party meeting, the governor disclosed that someone informed him that the ransom money appeared linked to the APC official, prompting him to authorize security to invite Ogbuatu for questioning.Â
Interrogations reportedly revealed that Ogbuatu admitted to providing his bank account details after being contacted by a personal assistant, who may have used his account for ransom transactions. The suspect claimed he was unaware of the ransom use, initially believing the funds were from a land sale estimated at N200 million.
Further investigations involved using the suspect’s phone to contact members of the kidnap gang, leading to an exchange where the gang accused Ogbuatu of collecting ransom without sharing it. The police directed Ogbuatu on how to communicate with the gang to lure them into custody.
An ambush was set, resulting in the arrest of gang members who arrived expecting to collect their share of the ransom. Investigators confirmed that the gang’s members used an intermediary, identified as the suspect’s personal assistant, to contact Ogbuatu.
Security agencies continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the monarch’s death and the alleged involvement of linked parties.
