Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State, with the killing of the alleged gang kingpin and the recovery of a cache of weapons. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, announced the development in a statement issued on Saturday, August 8, 2026, confirming that operatives of the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department, conducted a series of intelligence-led operations between August 2 and August 6, targeting members of the criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the incident.
According to the police, the operations culminated in the early hours of Thursday, August 6, 2026, when operatives located the hideout of a suspected gang kingpin identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias "Acid," in Ohaji/Egbema. The suspect engaged the operatives in a gun duel and sustained injuries during the encounter, which subsequently led to his death. One AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene. The suspect was identified as an alleged leader of the criminal 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 attack on the monarch and his companions had sent shockwaves through Imo State and beyond, with many condemning the killing and calling for a thorough investigation. The monarch, a traditional ruler and legal practitioner, was reportedly ambushed by gunmen while travelling with six others. Five of his companions were killed alongside him, while one other person managed to escape. The police had earlier arrested four suspects in connection with the incident, while two others reportedly died during previous encounters with the police. The latest operation has now brought the total number of suspects linked to the attack to seven, with four in custody, two dead, and the kingpin now neutralised.
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. The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment 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 killing of the monarch was one of several violent incidents that have plagued Imo State in recent months, where gunmen have increasingly targeted traditional rulers, security personnel, and government officials. The police have intensified operations in the state, with several arrests and recoveries recorded in recent weeks. The recovery of the AK-47 rifle and ammunition from the gang kingpin's hideout underscores the scale of the security challenge in the state, where criminal syndicates have continued to acquire and use sophisticated weapons to terrorise communities. The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing security operations by providing credible information to law enforcement agencies.
The breakthrough in the investigation has been welcomed by residents of Ohaji/Egbema and the wider Imo State community, who have called for justice for the slain monarch and his companions. The police have assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and that all those involved in the attack will be brought to justice. The killing of the gang kingpin and the recovery of weapons represent a significant victory in the fight against criminality in Imo State, but the police have acknowledged that more work remains to be done to ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
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