Follow Us on Google
By Lawrence Agbo
The Ebonyi State Government has confirmed the arrest of the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Simbad Ogbuatu, over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, Chief Francis Igwe.
Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed the arrest during a condolence visit to the family of the late monarch.
Chief Igwe, who is the father of former Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe, was abducted by suspected kidnappers and later died in their custody after reportedly sustaining injuries from physical assault.
The governor revealed that Ogbuatu came under investigation after security agencies traced a bank account allegedly used in ransom negotiations to him.
Other News
“During our party meeting, somebody whispered to me that the money paid was linked to the publicity secretary of the APC. I asked, ‘What?’ They said they were still investigating it, but wanted to know if they should go ahead with his arrest. I approved,” Nwifuru said.
According to the governor, Ogbuatu allegedly admitted during interrogation that he provided his bank account details after being contacted by one of the suspects, who reportedly acted as his personal assistant. The APC spokesman claimed he did not know the account would be used for ransom payment, initially telling investigators the funds were from a land sale.
Security operatives reportedly used Ogbuatu’s phone to communicate with members of the kidnapping gang, eventually luring them into an ambush that led to their arrest. The suspects confirmed that they had reached out to Ogbuatu through his personal assistant.
“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. Later, he said the account was for money from a land sale of about N200 million,” the governor said.
Governor Nwifuru stated that investigations are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the monarch’s death and the alleged involvement of all parties connected to the crime.
