Police kill gang leader linked to murder of Imo traditional ruler

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the killing of a suspected gang leader linked to the murder of Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, traditional ruler of Ochia in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State.

Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, revealed that the suspect, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, aka Acid, died in a gun battle with police operatives.

The Force spokesperson said the operation was carried out by the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department, STS-FID, between August 2 and 6, 2026. The operation targeted members of a criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the traditional ruler’s murder.

“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.

“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,” the Force spokesperson said in the statement.

The statement added that four suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the incident, while two others reportedly died during previous encounters with the police.

Iniedu said efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

He reiterated that the 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.