The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi state, Simbad Ogbuatu, has been arrested over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of the father of a former Deputy Governor of the state, Kelechi Igwe.
Igwe was abducted by suspected kidnappers and later died in their custody after reportedly sustaining injuries from physical assault.
The deceased was also the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area Read
Governor Francis Nwifuru said the information linking the APC official to the case first came to his attention during a party meeting.
As reported by The Punch, Governor Nwifuru disclosed this during a condolence visit to the family of the late monarch.
“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,”
The governor said he directed security operatives to invite the suspect for questioning. Nwifuru said the APC chieftain allegedly admitted during interrogation that he provided his bank account details after being contacted by one of the suspects, who was said to be 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.”
Recall that there was tension in Ebonyi state on Thursday, April 3, 2025, as gunmen abducted Mrs. Blessing Adagba, a top aide to Governor Francis Nwifuru.
According to reports, the kidnappers took Adagba from her community in the early hours of the day and whisked her to an unknown destination, demanding N30 million for her release.
The state police command spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the development in a statement and shared further details.
