The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its crackdown on a criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the killing of an Imo monarch and five others, following the death of a suspected gang kingpin and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of ammunition in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID), between August 2 and 6, 2026, as part of efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the April 10 killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said operatives located the hideout of a suspected leader of the criminal syndicate in the early hours of August 6.
The suspect, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid”, allegedly engaged the operatives in a gun battle after they located his hideout.
He reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter and later died from the injuries.
According to the police, an AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene.
Martin was identified by the police as an alleged kingpin of the syndicate linked to the April 10 attack along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema, where the monarch and five others were killed while returning to Owerri.
The Force said four suspects had previously been arrested in connection with the killings, while two other alleged members of the syndicate reportedly died during earlier encounters with security operatives.
Following the latest operation, the police said efforts had been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons and intelligence that could assist the investigation.
The Force said it was also working to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement in the killings and ensure that anyone found to be connected with the incident is brought to justice.
The Police reiterated their commitment to bringing the investigation to a logical conclusion and dismantling criminal networks responsible for violent attacks in the state.
