Ebonyi State Government confirmed the arrest of the APC Publicity Secretary Simbad Ogbuatu. He faces allegations of kidnapping and killing Chief Francis Igwe, Ndufu-Alike’s traditional ruler in Ikwo LGA.
Simbad Ogbuatu, APC’s state spokesman, implicated in the brutal murder of the community’s leader.
The incident shocks Ikwo Local Government Area amid ongoing security concerns.
Governor Nwifuru Reveals APC Secretary’s Arrest During Monarch’s Condolence Visit
According to reports, Governor Nwifuru disclosed APC secretary’s arrest during condolence visit to slain monarch’s grieving family, sparking community outrage.
Chief Igwe, the father of former Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe, was abducted by suspected kidnappers and later died in captivity after reportedly suffering injuries from physical assault.
The late monarch was reportedly kidnapped by armed men who later demanded ransom from his family and associates.
However, despite efforts to secure his freedom, he died while in the custody of his abductors after allegedly being severely beaten.
Ebonyi Monarch’s Kidnap, Killing Rocks State
The monarch’s kidnapping and killing sent shockwaves across Ebonyi State.
Ndufu-Alike community mourns deeply, where Chief Igwe wielded significant influence and respect.
Respected leader’s death devastates Ikwo LGA residents.
Community leaders demand justice amid outrage over the brutal loss of their influential traditional ruler.
Governor Nwifuru revealed Ogbuatu turned person of interest.
Security traced ransom negotiation bank account directly to the APC publicity secretary during the probe.
Bank account linked to kidnap ransom negotiations traced to Ogbuatu by security agencies.
This key evidence elevated the APC spokesman to prime suspect status swiftly.
Governor Reveals Arrest Bombshell at APC Meeting
According to the governor, the revelation came during an internal party meeting.
“During our party meeting, somebody whispered to me that the money paid was linked to the publicity secretary of the APC,” Nwifuru said.
“I asked, ‘What?’ They said they were still investigating it, but wanted to know if they should go ahead with his arrest. I approved.”
Governor Nwifuru disclosed Ogbuatu’s interrogation confession.
He admitted providing bank details after a suspect, his alleged personal assistant, contacted him for ransom purposes.
Ogbuatu reportedly confessed to sharing his account with a suspect he called personal assistant.
This revelation came during intense police questioning, per the governor’s statement.
Governor: APC Spokesman Claimed Ransom Was Land Deal
“He said one of his boys, his personal assistant, called him to give an account, and he gave the account the assistant asked him to give,”Nwifuru said.
“Later, he said the account was for money from a land sale of about ₦200 million.”
Investigators suspect Ogbuatu’s account facilitated ransom payments, not just details shared.
Despite his claim of assistant contact, probes point to direct kidnapper negotiations.
Reports indicate the bank account served ransom transactions with kidnappers.
Investigators doubt Ogbuatu’s story, linking it firmly to the monarch’s abduction payoff scheme.
Governor Nwifuru revealed security used Ogbuatu’s phone to contact kidnapping gang members.
This tactical move during investigation helped trace and expose the criminal network.
Operatives leveraged the APC secretary’s device for direct gang communication.
Nwifuru’s disclosure highlights how phone records unraveled connections to the monarch’s abductors swiftly.
The strategy reportedly led to an ambush that resulted in the arrest of the suspects.
Governor: Kidnappers Confirmed Contacting Ogbuatu Via Assistant
Governor Nwifuru stated investigations continue into the monarch’s abduction and death circumstances.
Security agencies probe deeper to uncover full details and accomplices involved.
Ongoing probes aim to clarify the kidnapping plot and killing.
Nwifuru assures Ebonyi residents justice as authorities unravel the monarch’s tragic end completely.
He assured the bereaved family and residents that authorities will bring everyone connected to the crime to justice.
