Police Arrest Seven Over Kidnap, Killing of Ebonyi Monarch

By Nwogha Ndubuisi,Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspects in connection with the kidnapping and killing of a father of former deputy governor of the state and traditional ruler, HRH Eze Francis Igwe. The monarch was abducted on March 1, 2026, prompting operatives of the command to immediately launch intensive operations aimed at rescuing him. In a statement issued on Friday in Abakaliki, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the operation led to the arrest of two suspects identified as members of the kidnapping syndicate.

Ukandu explained that the arrest was made possible through the deployment of technical and intelligence assets by the police. “During interrogation, the suspects confessed that the monarch had been killed on March 2, 2026. "They further volunteered to lead operatives to their hideout and assist in the recovery of the remains of the monarch,” the statement said. He added that while approaching the hideout, other members of the gang opened fire on the operatives.

“The operatives responded with superior firepower, which overwhelmed the gang. In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene,” Ukandu stated. According to the police spokesman, seven additional suspects were subsequently arrested, while one locally made pistol was recovered from the suspects. He further disclosed that the remains of the late traditional ruler were later recovered and deposited at the morgue for autopsy. The suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. Ukandu said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.