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Police  arrest suspected mastermind in kidnapping, killing of traditional ruler in ebonyi

By: Zagazola Makama 

Operatives of the Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Ebonyi have arrested a suspected mastermind in the kidnapping and killing of a traditional ruler in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.

Security sources said the suspect, Nwazunku Stephen, 43, was arrested on March 8 at about 4:00 p.m. following sustained intelligence-led operations by police operatives.

The suspect was alleged to be the mastermind behind the abduction of HRH Eze Francis Igwe, whose kidnapping had earlier been reported by the Divisional Police Officer in Ikwo Division on March 6.

According to police findings, the suspect reportedly confessed during interrogation that the gang kidnapped and later killed the monarch.

He allegedly claimed that the action was motivated by a dispute, accusing the traditional ruler of seizing their land and preventing him from burying his late wife on the disputed property.

Police authorities said the suspect had made useful statements to investigators, while efforts were ongoing to track down other accomplices linked to the crime.

The command added that investigation into the case was still ongoing, with further developments expected as the probe continues.