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The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested the suspected mastermind behind the kidnapping and killing of the traditional ruler of Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Ezeogo Francis Igwe.
The suspect, identified as Nwazunku Stephen, was apprehended by police operatives after weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance operations.
The monarch was reportedly abducted while heading to church last Sunday and was later killed by his captors despite demands for ransom.
Earlier, police had arrested nine suspects in connection with the incident, including the state publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, said one of the arrested suspects had led operatives from the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad to a hideout where several weapons and items linked to the crime were recovered.
According to the police, items discovered during the operation included one SMG rifle, a pump-action rifle, three locally made Beretta pistols, eleven rounds of 9mm live ammunition, ten cartridges, a machete, a shovel, and assorted charms.
Ukandu further revealed that the alleged mastermind, Nwazunku Stephen, was later arrested on March 8, 2026, at his hideout in Ikwo Local Government Area following sustained intelligence-led efforts.
The suspect is said to have made useful confessional statements and is currently assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries.
The police assured the public that investigations are continuing, stressing that all individuals involved in the crime would be tracked down and brought to justice.
The development comes days after authorities confirmed the arrest of two other suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate, who allegedly confessed that the monarch had been killed on March 2.
The suspects had also volunteered to lead security operatives to their hideout and assist in recovering the remains of the slain monarch, the police added.
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