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The Nigeria Police Force says it has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation into the April 2026 killing of the traditional ruler of Ochia Kingdom in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State and five others.
The police said a suspected gang leader linked to the killings, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid”, was killed during a gun duel with operatives of the Special Tactics Squad and Force Intelligence Department.
The operation took place in the early hours of August 6, 2026, at the suspect’s hideout in Ohaji/Egbema, following what the police described as actionable intelligence.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operatives had conducted a series of intelligence-led operations between August 2 and 6 targeting members of the criminal syndicate allegedly connected to the killings.
The police said Martin engaged the operatives in a gun battle and sustained injuries which later resulted in his death.
One AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were reportedly recovered from the scene.
The suspect was allegedly a leader of the syndicate linked to the April 10 attack in which HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema, while returning to Owerri.
The monarch’s killing had raised concerns over the activities of armed criminal groups operating in parts of the state, with the police subsequently launching investigations aimed at identifying those responsible.
The Force said four suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the incident, while two other alleged members of the group died during previous encounters with the police.
With the latest development, investigators are now focusing on locating other members of the alleged syndicate who remain at large and determining their respective roles in the attack.
The police said further investigations would also seek to establish the full extent of the group’s activities and recover additional weapons and intelligence that could shed light on the killings.
The Force maintained that all persons found to have participated in the crime would be brought to justice, adding that the investigation would continue until the circumstances surrounding the killings are fully established.
