Victor Duruamaku, Owerri
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the murder of a Royal Father, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others in Ohaji/Egbema, LGA Imo State.
According to an official statement issued in Owerri the state capital on Sturday, August 8, 2026, by the Command’s spokesman DSP Henry Okoye, “Following actionable intelligence, operatives of the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID), conducted a series of operations between 2nd and 6th August, 2026, targeting members of the criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the incident.”
The statement further explained that the operations culminated in the early hours of 6th August, 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.
DSP Okoye in the statement said, ” the suspect was identified as an alleged leader of the criminal syndicate linked to the attack of 10th April, 2026, in which the monarch and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema, while returning to Owerri.” revealing that four suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the incident, while two others reportedly died during previous encounters with the Police.
The statement added that 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.
