The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the killing of the traditional ruler of Ochia Kingdom, HRH Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, and five other persons in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
Police authorities said a suspected kingpin of the criminal network allegedly connected to the deadly attack was killed during a confrontation with operatives in the state.
The development was disclosed on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, who said the latest operation was part of an intelligence-led effort to dismantle the group believed to be behind the killings.
Iniedu identified the suspected gang leader as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known by the alias “Acid.” According to the police spokesperson, Martin was located at his hideout in Ohaji/Egbema during an operation carried out in the early hours of August 6, 2026.
The operation followed a series of coordinated activities conducted by operatives of the Special Tactics Squad and the Force Intelligence Department between August 2 and August 6.
Police authorities said the operatives had been working on intelligence gathered during the investigation in an effort to identify and locate individuals believed to have participated in the attack.
According to Iniedu, once the operatives reached Martin’s hideout, the suspect engaged them in a gun battle. He was reportedly wounded during the exchange of fire and subsequently died from the injuries he sustained.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of a firearm and ammunition believed to have been in the possession of the suspected gang leader.
Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
The police said the recovery would form part of the evidence being examined as investigators continue to establish the activities and structure of the criminal network.
Eze Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, was killed alongside five other people during an attack on April 10, 2026. The victims were reportedly attacked along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema while travelling towards Owerri.
The incident generated concern within the community and prompted security agencies to intensify efforts to identify those responsible for the killings.
The police said investigations conducted since the incident have already resulted in the arrest of four suspects believed to have links to the case.
Two other suspects were also reportedly killed during earlier encounters with police operatives.
The latest operation, according to the Force, is expected to provide investigators with additional leads as they continue their pursuit of other members of the suspected syndicate.
Police authorities said some members of the group remain at large and that efforts have therefore been stepped up to track them down.
The investigation is not limited to identifying the remaining suspects. Police said operatives are also working to determine the precise roles allegedly played by individual members of the network in the April attack.
Investigators are expected to examine intelligence and exhibits recovered during the different operations in order to establish how the suspects were connected to the incident and whether they were involved in other criminal activities.
The Force said the operation against the suspected gang is part of its broader effort to tackle violent crime and restore confidence among residents in affected communities.
Iniedu stressed that the police would continue to pursue every available lead until the investigation is concluded.
He also assured the public that anyone found to have played a role in the murder of the monarch and the other victims would be made to face the law.
The police spokesperson said the Force remains committed to bringing the investigation to a logical conclusion while pursuing other suspects who may have escaped from previous operations.
The development comes as security agencies continue to rely heavily on intelligence gathering and targeted operations to disrupt criminal networks operating in different parts of the country.
For residents of Ohaji/Egbema and surrounding communities, the police breakthrough is expected to provide further information about the circumstances surrounding the killing of the traditional ruler and the five other victims.
However, authorities are yet to disclose the identities of all the suspects still being pursued or provide further details about their alleged individual roles in the attack.
The Nigeria Police Force maintained that its investigation would continue until all relevant persons connected to the incident are identified and brought to justice.
With the suspected death of Martin, whom the police described as an alleged leader of the syndicate, investigators will now focus on tracing the remaining members of the group and gathering further evidence that could shed light on the April 10 attack.
The Force urged members of the public with useful information about the fleeing suspects or the activities of the criminal network to assist the security agencies.
Police authorities said such information could help investigators complete the case and ensure that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.
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