The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major breakthrough in the investigation into the killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, operatives of the Special Tactics Squad and Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) carried out a series of operations between August 2 and 6, 2026, based on actionable intelligence targeting members of the criminal syndicate allegedly connected to the killings.
The police said the operations culminated in the early hours of August 6, when officers located the hideout of a suspected gang leader, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, popularly known as ‘Acid’, in Ohaji/Egbema.
The suspect allegedly engaged the operatives in a gun battle and sustained injuries during the confrontation. He later died from the injuries, according to the police.
The operatives reportedly recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the scene.
The police identified the deceased suspect as an alleged leader of the criminal group linked to the April 10, 2026 attack in which the monarch and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema while returning to Owerri.
The Force said four suspects had previously been arrested in connection with the incident, while two other suspects were reportedly killed during earlier encounters with security operatives.
“Following the latest operation, efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, establish the full extent of their involvement and recover further operational intelligence and exhibits,” the statement added.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to bringing all individuals found to be connected to the crime to justice, assuring that efforts would continue until the investigation is brought to a logical conclusion.
BACKSTORY:
The incident occurred on April 10, 2026, when HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State, while reportedly returning to Owerri.
The killings triggered a police investigation and subsequent operations targeting members of the criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for the attack. Several suspects have been arrested, while others reportedly died during encounters with security operatives.
The latest operation, which led to the death of suspected gang leader Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias ‘Acid’, is being described by the police as a significant development in efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings and apprehend other members of the alleged syndicate.
