The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday that operatives of the Special Tactics Squad of the Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) had conducted a series of intelligence-led operations between August 2 and 6, 2026, targeting members of a criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the killings.
The operations culminated in the early hours of August 6 when the operatives located the hideout of a suspected gang kingpin, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid,” in Ohaji/Egbema.
According to the Police, Martin engaged the operatives in a gun duel and sustained injuries during the encounter, which subsequently led to his death.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the scene.
The Police said Martin was identified as an alleged leader of the criminal syndicate linked to the April 10, 2026 attack along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema, where the monarch and five others were killed while returning to Owerri.
Four suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the incident, while two other members of the syndicate reportedly died during previous encounters with the Police.
Following the latest development, the Force said it had intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and establish the full extent of their involvement in the killings.
The Police are also working to recover further operational intelligence, weapons and other exhibits that could assist the investigation and prosecution of those found to have participated in the crime.
The Force assured that all persons found to be connected with the murder would be brought to justice, stressed its determination to bring the investigation to a logical conclusion.
