10.3.2026
The police in Ebonyi State said they have arrested the mastermind in the killing of HRH Eze Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area.
Eze Francis Igwe, father of former Ebonyi Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe, was kidnapped on March 1, 2026, while on his way to church in Ndufu-Alike.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, the police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, said that on March 8, 2026, operatives of the command arrested one of the suspects and the alleged mastermind, identified as Nwazunku Stephen, at his hideout in Ikwo Local Government Area, following sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations.
He noted that the suspect has since provided useful information and is currently assisting the command in the ongoing investigation.
Ukandu added that on March 7, 2026, one of the suspects led operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad to his hideout.
During a search of the location, officers recovered one SMG rifle, one pump-action rifle, three locally made Beretta pistols, eleven rounds of 9mm live ammunition, ten live cartridges, a machete, a shovel, and assorted charms.
The command assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all those connected to the crime will be apprehended and brought to justice.
The monarch was reportedly killed a day after he was abducted.
