Nine Suspects Arrested in Traditional Ruler's Murder

The Ebonyi State Police Command announced the arrest of nine suspects linked to the kidnapping and murder of traditional ruler Ez Franci Igw of Ikwo Kingdom. The monarch was abducted in the early hours of Sunday, March 1, prompting a swift security response.

Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu confirmed that the arrests followed an intensive operation that utilized technical intelligence assets to rescue the kidnapped monarch. During interrogations, two suspects confessed to the monarch's murder on March 2, leading to the identification of the gang's hideout.

When police approached the hideout, gang members opened fire, prompting a superior response that resulted in the neutralization of some suspects. The remains of the late monarch have been deposited in a morgue for autopsy, while the arrested suspects are currently in custody as efforts continue to apprehend other fleeing gang members.