Suspected Kingpin Simbad Chidi Ogbuatu, Ebonyi State APC Spokesman.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State is reeling from the arrest of its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Simbad Ogbuatu, who has been reportedly implicated in the abduction and subsequent murder of the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community, Francis Igwe.
The late monarch, father of former Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe, was kidnapped and sustained fatal injuries while in the custody of suspected kidnappers.
Governor Francis Nwifuru confirmed the development during a condolence visit to the Igwe family over the weekend.
According to the governor, security agencies traced a bank account allegedly linked to ransom negotiations directly to Mr. Ogbuatu, prompting his interrogation and eventual arrest.
“During a party meeting, it was brought to my attention that the ransom account was connected to the APC publicity secretary. While initially skeptical, I instructed security operatives to proceed with his arrest to ensure proper investigation,” Governor Nwifuru stated.
Investigations had indicated that Mr. Ogbuatu provided his bank account details following a request from one of his personal aides.
The APC official reportedly claimed he believed the transaction was connected to a land deal and was unaware that the funds were intended as ransom for the kidnapped monarch.
However, subsequent communication with members of the kidnap gang, facilitated through his mobile phone under police supervision, led to the arrest of several suspects.
The Ebonyi State APC leadership has expressed profound shock and dismay over the alleged involvement of one of its senior officials. Party Chairman, Mr. Stanley Okoro-Emegha, visited the Igwe family to convey condolences and reassure the community of the party’s commitment to justice.
“The alleged actions of one individual are reprehensible and entirely inconsistent with the principles and ethos of our party.
We stand with the state government in ensuring that justice is served and that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law," he said.
Palace Secretary Johnson Aloh described the incident as “devastating,” lamenting the tarnishing of Ebonyi’s reputation for peace and stability.
“While the actions of an individual cannot define the character of the party, we are grateful for the prompt interventions to ensure accountability,” he remarked.
Security agencies continue to probe the full circumstances surrounding the tragic death of the monarch, with emphasis on establishing all individuals’ involvement in the crime.
Governor Nwifuru and party leaders have vowed to support investigative and judicial processes, reinforcing a collective stance against criminality in the state.
