The Nigeria Police Force has killed the suspected mastermind of the April 10, 2026, attack that claimed the life of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, along with five others in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State. Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu confirmed the development in a statement from Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Saturday, August 8.
Targeted Operations Lead to Suspect's Death
Operatives of the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID), conducted a series of operations between Sunday, August 2, and August 6, acting on actionable intelligence about the syndicate. In the early hours of August 6, they tracked the suspected gang leader, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, known by the alias “Acid,” to his hideout in Ohaji/Egbema.
According to the police, Martin opened fire on the officers, was wounded during the exchange, and later succumbed to his injuries. Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Background of the Attack and Arrests
Martin was identified as the alleged head of the syndicate responsible for the attack on April 10, 2026, during which the monarch and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema, while travelling back to Owerri. Prior to the August operations, four suspects had already been arrested in connection with the attack, while two others died in separate encounters with police.
The police have intensified efforts to track down remaining members of the syndicate who are still at large. They are also working to establish the full extent of the group's criminal activities and to recover additional operational intelligence and weapons.
Police Commitment 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,” the statement read.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to apprehend all those involved and dismantle the syndicate completely.
