APC Spokesman Arrested Over Alleged Kidnap, Killing Of Ebonyi Ex-Deputy Governor’s Father

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.

Papers News reports that Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed this during a condolence visit to the family of the slain monarch, whose death has sparked outrage and grief within the community.

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.

The incident sent shockwaves across Ebonyi State, particularly in the Ndufu-Alike community, where the monarch held significant influence and respect.

Nwifuru revealed that Ogbuatu became a person of interest after security agencies traced a bank account allegedly used during ransom negotiations to him.

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.”

The governor further disclosed that Ogbuatu allegedly admitted during interrogation that he provided his bank account details after being contacted by one of the suspects, who he described as his personal assistant.

According to the governor, the APC spokesman initially told investigators that the money expected in the account was from a land transaction.

“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.”

However, investigators reportedly suspected that the account was instead used for ransom payment during negotiations with the kidnappers.

Governor Nwifuru also revealed that security operatives used Ogbuatu’s phone during the investigation to establish contact with members of the kidnapping gang.

The strategy reportedly led to an ambush that resulted in the arrest of the suspects.

According to him, those arrested confirmed that they had reached out to Ogbuatu through his personal assistant during the course of the operation.

The governor stated that investigations are still ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the monarch’s abduction and death.

He assured the bereaved family and residents of the community that everyone connected to the crime would be brought to justice.