Police in Ebonyi State have detained six men allegedly involved in the killing of HRH Eze Josephat Nnanna Ikegwu, the traditional ruler of Ishinkwo Community.

SP Joshua Ukandu, spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, said Tuesday in Abakaliki that the arrests came after sustained intelligence-led operations by the command.

The suspects are Ucha Johnson, Ogobuchi Igwe, Nkpuma Nwankwo, Edwin Onwoshi, Itumo Joseph, and Emmanuel Nwaoba. 

Officers recovered one AK-47 rifle with eight rounds of live ammunition during the raid.

Eze Ikegwu was murdered at his home on April 2, 2026, a killing that heightened tension in Ishinkwo and surrounding areas.

Commissioner of Police Hope Urunwa Okafor said the command is committed to bringing everyone linked to the crime to justice. She added that the police will continue working to curb violent crimes and protect residents across Ebonyi.

Police say the suspects will be charged to court once investigations are wrapped up.

The arrest follows other recent cases involving attacks on traditional rulers in the state. In March 2026, Eze Francis Igwe of Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, father of former Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe, was abducted on March 1 and later killed. Nine suspects have been arrested in connection with that case.