The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has confirmed the arrest of the state Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Simbad Ogbuatu, for his alleged connection to the kidnapping and killing of a traditional ruler.
The victim, Chief Francis Igwe, who ruled the Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, was abducted by suspected kidnappers and later died while in captivity after reportedly suffering injuries from physical assault. Igwe was also the father of former Ebonyi Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe.
Governor Nwifuru disclosed the development on Saturday during a condolence visit to the late monarch’s family.
According to the governor, security agencies began investigating Ogbuatu after tracing a bank account allegedly used in the ransom negotiations to him.
Nwifuru explained that he first heard about the possible link during a meeting of the APC. Someone at the meeting reportedly informed him that the ransom money paid for the monarch’s release had been connected to the party’s publicity secretary. Although he initially doubted the claim, he authorised security operatives to invite Ogbuatu for questioning.
During interrogation, the governor said the APC spokesman admitted that he provided his bank account details after a request from someone believed to be his personal assistant, who was allegedly connected to the kidnappers.
Ogbuatu reportedly claimed he did not know the account would be used to receive ransom money, saying he thought the payment was related to a land transaction worth about ₦200 million.
The governor further revealed that security operatives later used Ogbuatu’s phone to communicate with suspected members of the kidnapping gang as part of efforts to track them down.
One of the suspects reportedly called the phone and accused Ogbuatu of collecting the ransom without sharing it with the group. Acting on police instructions, Ogbuatu engaged the caller in conversation and arranged a meeting point.
Security agents then set up an ambush and arrested several suspects who arrived at the location expecting to collect their share of the ransom.
Governor Nwifuru said the arrested suspects later told investigators they had contacted Ogbuatu through a gang member who served as his personal assistant.
He added that security agencies are continuing investigations into the killing of the monarch and the roles of others who may be connected to the crime.
