By Tonye Apiri
The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major development in the investigation into the killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five other persons in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State.
In a statement issued by CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer at Force Headquarters, the police said operatives of the Special Tactics Squad under the Force Intelligence Department, STS-FID, carried out a string of operations between 2nd and 6th August, 2026. The operations targeted members of a criminal network believed to be connected to the attack.
“The operations culminated in the early hours of 6th August, 2026, when operatives located the hideout of a suspected gang kingpin, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias ‘Acid’, in Ohaji/Egbema.
“The suspect engaged the operatives in a gun duel and sustained injuries during the encounter, which subsequently led to his death. One AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene,” he said.
According to the police, the deceased suspect was alleged to be the head of the syndicate responsible for the April 10th, 2026 assault. The monarch and five others were murdered on the Asa/Awara road in Ohaji/Egbema while traveling back to Owerri.
The Force noted that four people had previously been arrested over the incident, while two other suspects were killed in earlier confrontations with officers.
CSP Iniedu added, “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 Nigeria Police said it remains committed to bringing everyone linked to the crime, and ensuring that the investigation is brought to its conclusion.