Society
Imo Monarch Killing: ‘Acid’ Falls in Police Gun Battle, AK-47 Recovered
According to the police, “Acid” was allegedly a leader of the criminal syndicate
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, and five others in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, with the alleged gang kingpin linked to the killings killed in a gun duel with operatives.
The suspect, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid”, was killed during an operation by operatives of the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department, STS-FID, in the early hours of August 6, 2026.
According to the police, “Acid” was allegedly a leader of the criminal syndicate linked to the April 10, 2026 attack in which the monarch and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema, while returning to Owerri.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the operation followed “actionable intelligence” and was part of a series of operations conducted between August 2 and 6, targeting members of the syndicate allegedly connected to the killings.
Iniedu said operatives located Martin’s hideout in Ohaji/Egbema, where he “engaged the operatives in a gun duel and sustained injuries during the encounter, which subsequently led to his death.”
He added that one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene.
The police spokesman disclosed that four suspects had earlier been arrested over the April 10 attack, while two other suspects reportedly died during previous encounters with the police.
He said the latest development had intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the alleged syndicate and determine the full extent of their involvement in the killings.
“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,” Iniedu said.
The police assured that all persons found to be connected with the crime would be brought to justice, stressing that the investigation would be pursued to its logical conclusion.
“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 added.
