Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has confirmed the arrest of the state Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Simbad Ogbuatu, over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of a traditional ruler in the state.

The monarch, Francis Igwe of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, was abducted by suspected kidnappers and later died in captivity after reportedly sustaining injuries from physical assault.

Nwifuru disclosed the development on Saturday during a condolence visit to the family of the late monarch, who is also the father of former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe.

According to the governor, Ogbuatu came under investigation after security agencies traced a bank account allegedly used during ransom negotiations to him.

He said the information linking the APC official to the crime was first brought to his attention during a party meeting.

“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 meant and they said investigations were ongoing but wanted to know if they should proceed with his arrest. I approved,” the governor said.

Nwifuru noted that although he initially doubted the claim, he directed security agencies to invite the suspect for questioning.

During interrogation, Ogbuatu reportedly admitted providing his bank account details after being contacted by one of the suspects, said to be his personal assistant.

The governor said the APC spokesman claimed he did not know the account would be used for ransom payments, explaining that he initially told investigators the money expected in the account was related to proceeds from a land transaction.

According to Nwifuru, investigators later used the suspect’s phone to communicate with members of the alleged kidnap gang in a bid to track them.

He said one of the suspects subsequently called the phone and accused Ogbuatu of collecting the ransom money without sharing it with the group.

Security operatives then instructed the suspect on what to say during the conversation in order to lure the gang members to a meeting point.

The governor said security agents laid an ambush at the agreed location and arrested members of the gang who reportedly arrived expecting to collect their share of the ransom.

He added that the suspects told investigators they contacted Ogbuatu through one of their members who served as his personal assistant.

Nwifuru stated that security agencies were continuing investigations to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the killing of the monarch and the alleged roles of those linked to the crime.