The Ebonyi State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected mastermind in the kidnapping and killing of a traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Francis Igwe.
The command said the arrest was part of ongoing investigations into the crime.
According to the police, on March 7, one of the suspects led operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad to a hideout linked to the criminal group.
During a search of the location, officers recovered an SMG rifle, a pump-action gun, three locally fabricated Beretta pistols, 11 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a shovel, and several charms believed to be used by the suspects.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki.
Ukandu stated that operatives subsequently arrested the alleged mastermind, identified as Nwazunku Stephen, at his hideout in Ikwo on March 8, following sustained surveillance and intelligence-driven operations.
He added that the suspect had begun cooperating with investigators by providing useful information to aid the ongoing probe.
The command assured residents that investigations were still in progress, noting that efforts were underway to track down other individuals connected to the incident and ensure they face the full weight of the law.