The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.
According to the statement, operatives of the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department, STS-FID, carried out a series of operations between August 2 and August 6, 2026, targeting members of the criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the attack.
The operations culminated in the early hours of August 6, 2026, when operatives located the hideout of a suspected gang kingpin identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid”, in Ohaji/Egbema.
The police said the suspect engaged them in a gun duel and sustained fatal injuries during the encounter.
Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
The suspect was identified as an alleged leader of the syndicate linked to the attack of April 10, 2026, in which the monarch and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema, while returning to Owerri.
The Force noted that four suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the incident, while two others reportedly died during previous encounters with the police.
Following the latest operation, the police said 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 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 said.