The Nigeria Police Force says it has made a major breakthrough in the investigation into the April 10, 2026, killing of the traditional ruler of Ochia Kingdom, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I, and five other persons in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
This was revealed in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
According to the statement, operatives of the Special Tactics Squad of the Force Intelligence Department, STS-FID, carried out a series of intelligence-led operations between August 2 and 6, 2026, as part of efforts to track down members of the criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for the attack.
The police said the operation reached a major breakthrough in the early hours of August 6, when operatives located the hideout of a suspected gang leader, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, popularly known as “Acid”, in Ohaji/Egbema.
The suspect reportedly engaged the police in a gun battle and sustained injuries during the encounter, which later resulted in his death.
Following the operation, the police recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the scene.
The Force said Martin was believed to be a key leader of the criminal group allegedly linked to the April 10 attack, during which the monarch and five other victims were killed along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema while returning to Owerri.
The police noted that four suspects had previously been arrested in connection with the incident, while two other alleged members of the syndicate were killed during earlier encounters with security operatives.
The latest development, the Force said, has led to renewed efforts to track down other members of the group who remain at large, determine the full extent of their involvement and recover additional weapons and other evidence connected to the crime.
The police assured that investigations would continue until all those found to have participated in the killings are brought to justice.
“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.”
