POLICE NAB ALLEGED MASTERMIND BEHIND BRUTAL MURDER OF EBONYI MONARCH

RCBU Mar 10, 2026 0 26 Add to Reading List

The Ebonyi State Police Command has dealt a major blow to a deadly kidnapping gang with the arrest of the alleged mastermind behind the abduction and killing of traditional ruler Ezeogo Francis Igwe of Ndufu Alike Ikwo in Ebonyi State.

The prime suspect, identified as Nwazunku Stephen, was captured by police operatives after days of intense surveillance and intelligence-driven operations in Ikwo. Authorities say he is believed to be the brain behind the shocking kidnapping that ended in the tragic death of the monarch.

The respected royal father was abducted last Sunday while heading to church, an incident that sent shockwaves across the community. His captors reportedly demanded a ransom, but the situation turned deadly when the monarch was later killed.

Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu revealed that the breakthrough came after one of the previously arrested suspects led operatives from the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad to a secret hideout used by the gang.

A search of the location uncovered a frightening cache of weapons and items believed to have been used by the criminals. Among the recovered exhibits were a sub-machine gun, a pump-action rifle, three locally made Beretta pistols, 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 10 live cartridges, a machete, a shovel, and assorted charms.