Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) of the Nigeria Police Force have wasted a suspected gang kingpin and one of the alleged killers of the traditional ruler of Ochia Kingdom in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, HRH Eze Barr. Paulinus Ekwueme.
In a statement issued in Owerri, the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the police had recorded a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the murder of the traditional ruler.
Iniedu said that, following actionable intelligence, operatives of the STS-FID conducted a series of operations between August 2 and 6, 2026, targeting members of the criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the incident.
He said the operations culminated in the early hours of August 6, 2026, when the operatives located the hideout of a suspected gang kingpin identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid”, in Ohaji/Egbema.
According to him, the suspect engaged the operatives in a gun duel and sustained injuries during the encounter, which subsequently led to his death.
He disclosed that one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene.
Iniedu said the suspect was identified as an alleged leader of the criminal syndicate linked to the April 10, 2026, attack in which the monarch and five others were killed along Asa/Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema, while returning to Owerri.
He disclosed that four suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the incident, while two others reportedly died during previous encounters with the police.