Body of Kidnapped Ebonyi Monarch Recovered as Police Arrest 7 Suspects
By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Police Command has recovered the body of HRH Eze Francis Igwe, father of a former Deputy Governor of the state, days after he was kidnapped by suspected criminals. Police authorities also confirmed the arrest of seven suspects in connection with the incident.
The traditional ruler was abducted on March 1, 2026, prompting security operatives in the state to launch an intensive operation aimed at rescuing him and tracking down members of the kidnapping syndicate.
Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abakaliki, noting that operatives deployed technical and intelligence resources to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction.
According to him, the police operation first led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be part of the gang responsible for the crime.
Ukandu said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed that the monarch had been killed on March 2, 2026. They also volunteered to lead operatives to their hideout and help in locating the body of the victim.
He explained that while approaching the hideout, other members of the gang opened fire on the police team, leading to a gun battle between the operatives and the suspected kidnappers.
“In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised while others fled the scene. Seven additional suspects were later arrested and one locally made pistol was recovered,” the police spokesman said.
He added that the remains of the late monarch were eventually recovered and deposited in a morgue for autopsy, while the suspects are currently in police custody. The command also said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang before the suspects are charged to court after investigations.
