Police Kill Suspected Gang Leader Linked to Murder of Imo Monarch, Five Others

The Nigeria Police Force says it has recorded a significant
breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the murder of HRH Eze Barrister
Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others in Ohaji/Egbema,
Imo State.

 

A statement signed by CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations
Officer,

Force Headquarters, said that following actionable
intelligence, operatives of the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence
Department, STS-FID, conducted a series of operations between 2nd and 6th
August, 2026, targeting members of the criminal syndicate allegedly linked to
the incident.

“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.

The police said that the suspect was identified as an
alleged leader of the criminal syndicate linked to the attack on 10th April,
2026, in which the monarch and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara
road, Ohaji/Egbema, while returning to Owerri.

Four suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with
the incident, while two others reportedly died during previous encounters with
the police.

He 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 remained committed to ensuring
that all persons found to be connected with the crime were brought to justice
and that every effort was made to bring the investigation to a logical
conclusion.

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