The Nigeria Police Force says it has made a breakthrough in its investigation into the murder of a traditional ruler in Imo State, after a gang leader suspected of masterminding the killing was shot dead in a gun battle with operatives.
The monarch, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, was among six people killed on April 10, 2026, when gunmen attacked their convoy along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area as they were returning to Owerri.
According to police, operatives from the Special Tactics Squad of the Force Intelligence Department carried out a series of raids between August 2 and 6 targeting members of the criminal syndicate believed to be behind the attack. The operation came to a head in the early hours of August 6, when officers tracked down the hideout of the suspected gang leader, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid,” in Ohaji/Egbema.
Police said the suspect opened fire on operatives when confronted. “The suspect engaged the operatives in a gun duel and sustained injuries during the encounter, which subsequently led to his death,” the force said in a statement.
Officers recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the scene.
Police described “Acid” as an alleged leader of the syndicate linked to the April attack. Four other suspects have already been arrested in connection with the killings, while two more reportedly died in earlier clashes with police.
Authorities say they are now working to track down remaining members of the gang still at large and to gather further evidence linking them to the crime.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring that all persons found to be connected with the crime are brought to justice and that every effort is made to bring the investigation to a logical conclusion,” the statement said.
