APC Executive Arrested Over Monarch’s Kidnap, Death In Ebonyi State

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has confirmed the arrest of an All Progressives Congress publicity secretary, Simbad Ogbuatu, over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of a traditional ruler in the state.

The victim, Francis Igwe, was the monarch of the Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area and the father of former Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe.

According to reports, the traditional ruler was abducted by suspected kidnappers and later died in captivity after reportedly suffering injuries from severe physical assault.

Governor Nwifuru disclosed the arrest while paying a condolence visit to the family of the late monarch.

The governor said Ogbuatu came under investigation after security agencies traced a bank account allegedly used during ransom negotiations to him.

According to Nwifuru, the information first reached him during a meeting of the All Progressives Congress, where he was informed that the ransom money paid by the family might have been linked to the party’s publicity secretary.

“During our party meeting, somebody whispered to me that the money paid was linked to the publicity secretary of the APC. I asked what they meant, and they said investigations were ongoing but they wanted approval to arrest him. I approved,” the governor said.

He explained that although he initially doubted the claim, he allowed security operatives to invite Ogbuatu for questioning.

During interrogation, the APC spokesman reportedly admitted that he gave out his bank account details after being contacted by someone he believed to be his personal assistant.

Ogbuatu allegedly told investigators that he did not know the account would be used for ransom payment, claiming he initially thought the money expected in the account was from a land transaction worth about ₦200 million.

The governor further revealed that security operatives later used the suspect’s phone to communicate with members of the alleged kidnap gang in an attempt to track them down.

One of the suspects reportedly called the phone and accused Ogbuatu of collecting the ransom money without sharing it with the group.

Police then instructed Ogbuatu on what to say during the call to lure the suspects to a meeting point.

Security operatives later laid an ambush at the location and arrested members of the gang who arrived expecting to collect their share of the ransom.

Governor Nwifuru said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the killing of the monarch and the possible involvement of other suspects.