The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested the suspect allegedly responsible for the kidnapping and murder of Eze Francis Igwe, the Traditional Ruler of Ndufu Alike Ikwo, in the Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, provided this information in a statement he signed on Friday.
Ukandu mentioned that one of the suspects was killed during a gun battle, and that the arrested suspects are currently providing valuable information while in custody.
“Following the kidnapping of HRH Eze Francis Igwe on 1st March 2026, operatives of the Ebonyi State Command immediately commenced intensive operations aimed at rescuing the kidnapped monarch.
“Through the deployment of technical and intelligence assets, operatives arrested two suspects identified as members of the kidnapping syndicate. During interrogation, the suspects confessed that the monarch had been killed on 2nd March 2026. They further volunteered to lead operatives to their hideout and assist in the recovery of the remains of the monarch.
“However, upon approaching the hideout, other members of the gang opened fire on the operatives. The operatives responded with superior firepower, which overwhelmed the gang.”
“In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene. Subsequently, seven additional suspects were arrested, and one locally made pistol was recovered from the suspects.
“The remains of the late traditional ruler were later recovered and deposited at the morgue for autopsy. The suspects are currently in police custody, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations
