APC Official Among Nine Arrested for Kidnap and Murder of Ebonyi Monarch
Police authorities in Ebonyi State have confirmed the arrest of nine suspects in connection with the abduction and murder of a traditional ruler. Among those detained is Simbad Victor, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who serves as the party's publicity secretary in the state.
Details of the Abduction and Investigation
The victim, Francis Igwe, was the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area. He was also the father of former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe. According to police reports, the monarch was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while en route to church services.
State Police Command spokesperson Joshua Ukandu detailed the investigation's progression. He stated that immediately after the abduction was reported, police operatives launched intensive operations. The deployment of technical and intelligence assets led to the initial arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate.
During interrogation, these suspects confessed that the traditional ruler had been killed on March 2, the day following his abduction. They reportedly volunteered to lead police operatives to their hideout and assist in recovering the monarch's remains.
Police Operation and Recovery
However, as police approached the hideout, other gang members allegedly opened fire on the police team. Ukandu explained that operatives responded with superior firepower, overpowering the criminals during the ensuing gun battle. One of the hoodlums was neutralized during the confrontation, while others fled the scene.
Following this operation, police arrested seven additional suspects, bringing the total number in custody to nine. Authorities also recovered one locally made pistol during the operation.
The police spokesman confirmed that the remains of the slain traditional ruler had been recovered and deposited in a morgue for autopsy procedures. All suspects are currently in police custody as efforts continue to apprehend other fleeing gang members. Ukandu added that the suspects would be charged in court after thorough investigations are concluded.
Political Repercussions and Condemnation
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has expressed profound shock at its member's involvement in the kidnap and eventual death of the monarch. Party Chairman Stanley Okoro-Emegha led a delegation on a condolence visit to the Igwe family in Ndufu-Alike on Saturday.
Okoro-Emegha described the news of the party executive's complicity as shocking and unprecedented. "The report is unheard of, as I do not have the confidence to face the public since the past two days," he stated. "Members of the party cannot believe in their entire lives that the party can be associated with such an act."
The party chairman emphasized that the APC would support the state government's decision in seeking justice for the Igwe family. "The governor, as the father of the state and leader of the party, cannot tolerate such evil act, no matter who is involved," Okoro-Emegha declared. "We condemn whatever is condemnable, as whatever is evil is evil."
Community Response and Aftermath
Palace Secretary Johnson Aloh, speaking on behalf of the community, thanked the party for their condolence visit while expressing devastation over the incident. Aloh regretted that such an act occurred in Ebonyi, a state he described as having become a model of peace among Nigerian states.
"Truly, it was earth-shaking when we heard that the name of our dear party was soiled by the actions of an individual," Aloh stated. "We, however, have the discerning spirit to differentiate the act of an individual from that of the party, as we know that the party can never indulge in such an act."
The community representative urged continued efforts to ensure that "bad eggs who want to tarnish the state's image are checked" through proper legal channels and community vigilance.
