The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has confirmed the arrest of the state Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Simbad Ogbuatu, over his alleged link to the kidnapping and killing of a traditional ruler.
The victim, Chief Francis Igwe, was the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. He was also the father of former Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe.
Governor Francis Nwifuru revealed the arrest on Saturday when he visited the family of the late monarch to offer condolences.
How the monarch died
According to the governor, the traditional ruler was kidnapped by suspected criminals. While in captivity, he was reportedly beaten and later died from injuries caused by the assault.
How the APC spokesman became a suspect
The governor said security agencies began investigating Ogbuatu after they traced a bank account used during ransom negotiations to him.
Nwifuru explained that he first heard about the possible link during a party meeting.
Someone quietly informed him that the ransom money might have passed through the APC publicity secretary’s account. At first, the governor said he found the claim hard to believe but still approved an investigation and possible arrest.
What the suspect told investigators
During questioning, Ogbuatu reportedly told investigators that one of the suspects was his personal assistant who asked him to provide a bank account.
He claimed he did not know the account would be used to receive ransom money. Instead, he initially told investigators he expected the account to receive money from a land deal worth about ₦200 million.
Police trap the suspected kidnappers
Security operatives later used Ogbuatu’s phone to contact members of the suspected kidnap gang.
One of the suspects eventually called the phone and accused him of collecting ransom money without sharing it with the group.
Following police instructions, Ogbuatu continued the conversation and arranged a meeting point.
Security officers then set up an ambush and arrested several suspects who reportedly came to collect their share of the ransom.
Investigation continues
Governor Nwifuru said the suspects later told investigators they reached Ogbuatu through one of their members who worked as his personal assistant.
He added that security agencies are still investigating the full details behind the kidnapping and the killing of the monarch.
