RismadarVoice Reporters, March 8, 2026
Ebonyi State Government has confirmed the arrest of the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Mr Simbad Ogbuatu, over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, Chief Francis Igwe.
Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed this during a condolence visit to the family of the late monarch.
Chief Igwe, father of a former Deputy Governor of the state, Kelechi Igwe, was abducted by suspected kidnappers and later died in their custody after reportedly sustaining injuries from physical assault.
According to the Governor, Ogbuatu came under investigation after security agencies traced a bank account allegedly used in ransom negotiations to him.
Nwifuru said the information linking the APC official to the case first emerged during a party meeting, after which he authorized security operatives to invite him for questioning.
The Governor explained that during interrogation, Ogbuatu allegedly admitted providing his bank account details to a suspect said to be his personal assistant, claiming he did not know it would be used to receive ransom money.
He added that security operatives later used the suspect’s phone to communicate with members of the alleged kidnap gang, leading to an ambush in which several suspects were arrested when they arrived to collect their share of the ransom.
The Governor said investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the abduction and killing of the monarch and the roles of those linked to the crime.
