The Police in Ebonyi State have arrested the mastermind behind the kidnapping and killing of Ezeogo Francis Igwe, the traditional leader of Ndufu Alike Ikwo community.
Joshua Ukandu, the spokesperson for the Ebonyi Police Command in a statement said the suspect, identified as Nwazunku Stephen was arrested following sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance operations in the state.
The suspects were arrested shortly after the apprehension of nine others, including the state publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who were alleged to have been part of the abduction and subsequent killing of the monarch on Sunday.
According to the police, one of the previously arrested suspects led the anti-kidnapping squad to the suspects’ hideout where arms and other items were recovered.
Other items recovered during the operation include three locally made Beretta pistols, one SMG rifle, ten live cartridges, one pump-action rifle, eleven rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a machete, a shovel and assorted charms.
Ukandu added that the suspect has also provided useful information to the team and is assisting in the ongoing investigation by the command.
“The Command assures the public that investigations are ongoing and all those connected to the crime will be apprehended and brought to justice,” Ukandu said.
