The Ebonyi State Government has confirmed the arrest of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr. Simbad Ogbuatu, in connection with the abduction and murder of Chief Francis Igwe, traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area.
Governor Francis Nwifuru made the disclosure on Saturday while paying a condolence visit to the family of the late monarch, who was also the father of former Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe.
Chief Igwe was reportedly kidnapped by suspected criminals and later died in their custody, sustaining injuries from physical assault, according to the governor.
Governor Nwifuru explained that Ogbuatu became a person of interest after security operatives traced a bank account allegedly used in ransom negotiations to him.
The governor revealed that he first heard of the link during a party meeting.
“During our party meeting, someone quietly informed me that the ransom money was linked to the APC publicity secretary. I was surprised, but I was told investigations were ongoing and asked if the arrest should proceed. I approved it,” Nwifuru said.
The governor noted that although he initially doubted the allegation, he directed security officials to invite Ogbuatu for questioning.
During interrogation, Ogbuatu reportedly admitted providing his bank account after being contacted by a suspect who worked as his personal assistant.
He insisted he was unaware the account would be used for ransom payments and claimed the funds were initially intended for a land sale transaction worth about N200 million.
Governor Nwifuru added that security agencies subsequently used Ogbuatu’s phone to communicate with the alleged kidnappers, which helped authorities track down and arrest members of the gang.
One of the suspects reportedly confronted Ogbuatu over collecting ransom money without sharing it with the group.
“The police guided Ogbuatu on what to say during the call to lure the suspects to a meeting point.
They were later apprehended when they arrived expecting to collect their share of the ransom,” the governor said.
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He assured that investigations were ongoing to unravel the full circumstances of the monarch’s killing and the roles of those allegedly involved
