Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Police in southeastern Nigeria have arrested nine suspects, including a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress identified as Simbad Victor, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of the father of former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe, a crime that has shocked the Ndufu-Alike community and intensified concerns about violent kidnappings targeting prominent figures in the region.
The victim, HRH Eze Francis Igwe, a respected traditional ruler of the Ndufu-Alike autonomous community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was abducted on March 1, 2026, while travelling to church. According to security officials and community sources, the elderly monarch was intercepted by armed men riding a motorcycle who blocked his vehicle, forced him out at gunpoint, and whisked him away to an undisclosed location.
The abduction immediately triggered an intensive search by security agencies after the incident was reported. Local authorities and residents launched efforts to trace the kidnappers, while police deployed intelligence and technical resources to track the gang responsible for the crime.
Initial investigations led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that the monarch had been killed shortly after the abduction, confirming fears that the kidnappers had murdered their captive while negotiations for his release were still being pursued.
Police sources indicated that the abductors had contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of approximately ₦250 million. Negotiations were said to be ongoing when the kidnappers allegedly killed the monarch in their hideout.
Following the confessions, the arrested suspects agreed to lead police operatives to the gang’s hideout to assist in recovering the victim’s remains. However, the operation soon escalated into a confrontation after other members of the criminal group reportedly opened fire on the approaching police team.
A gun battle ensued between the security operatives and the kidnappers. During the exchange of fire, one of the suspects was killed, while several others managed to escape into surrounding areas. Despite the resistance encountered during the operation, police continued their pursuit and carried out further arrests linked to the case.
Authorities subsequently apprehended seven additional suspects believed to have participated in the abduction and murder, bringing the total number of suspects currently in custody to nine. Among those arrested is Simbad Victor, who has been identified as a member of the All Progressives Congress.
Security officials confirmed that a locally made pistol was recovered from the suspects during the operation. Investigators believe the weapon may have been used during the kidnapping or other criminal activities carried out by the group.
After the confrontation and arrests, police were able to locate the remains of the slain traditional ruler at the gang’s hideout. The body was later recovered and deposited at a morgue for autopsy and further forensic examination.
The Ebonyi State Police Command said the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, adding that efforts are ongoing to track and arrest other members of the gang who fled during the security operation.
Officials also confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court once the investigation is concluded. Authorities have indicated that the case may involve a wider criminal network operating in the region.
The killing of the traditional ruler has plunged the Ndufu-Alike community into mourning. Residents described the monarch as a respected community leader who had played a significant role in local development and traditional governance.
Community members expressed shock that such a prominent figure could be abducted and killed despite the presence of security forces in the area. Several residents said the tragedy has heightened fears among villagers, particularly as kidnappings have increasingly affected rural communities in southeastern Nigeria.
Stone Reporters note that the incident highlights the persistent threat posed by kidnapping syndicates operating across various parts of Nigeria. In recent years, criminal groups have increasingly targeted wealthy individuals, traditional rulers, politicians and their relatives in a bid to extract large ransom payments.
Security analysts say the growing sophistication of these criminal groups, combined with economic hardship and the availability of illegal firearms, has made kidnapping one of the most lucrative forms of organized crime in parts of the country.
The murder of Eze Francis Igwe has also generated political attention because of the victim’s family ties to the former deputy governor. Some observers have called for a deeper investigation into the network behind the kidnapping to determine whether the crime was purely financially motivated or linked to broader criminal activities.
Authorities in Ebonyi State have urged residents to remain calm while security agencies continue their investigation. Police officials have also encouraged members of the public to provide information that could help locate the suspects who remain at large.
For the Igwe family and the people of Ndufu-Alike, however, the arrest of suspects offers only limited comfort following the loss of their traditional ruler. As the community prepares to mourn its monarch, many residents are calling for stronger security measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
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