By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the killing of a suspected bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid”, in Imo State, saying he was linked to the murder of the Ochia monarch, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, and five others.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
Iniedu said the suspect was killed during a gun battle with operatives of the Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state.
He said the operation was carried out on August 6, 2026, following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
According to the statement, the operation targeted members of a criminal group allegedly linked to the killing of Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, his security guards and other victims.
The police said operatives stormed Acid’s hideout at about 1:30 a.m., prompting him to open fire.
A gun battle followed and lasted several hours before the operatives killed the suspect.
The police recovered an AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the scene.
The Force said other members of the gang escaped into the forest during the operation.
Police Link Gang to Multiple Killings
The police said preliminary investigations identified Acid as the alleged leader of a criminal group linked to several killings and other violent crimes in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities between 2024 and 2026.
The Force said it had earlier arrested four suspects and killed two other alleged members of the group.
One of the suspects arrested was Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as “K2”.
The police said information obtained following K2’s arrest linked Acid to the alleged killing of Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026.
According to the Force, Acid allegedly suspected Nwaele of providing information that helped the police arrest one of his gang members.
The police are also investigating the group’s alleged involvement in several other killings recorded between 2024 and 2026.
Those named in the investigation include Chikaire Domandu, also known as “Asari”; Chimezie Uchenna; Ezeugo Umah; Ibo Sunday; and Nwaugo Ngozi, popularly known as “Igbo”.
The Force said it was also investigating an attack on the business premises of ThankGod Terry on July 10, 2026, during which the shop was allegedly set on fire.
Police Probe Monarch’s Murder
The group is also being investigated over the April 10 killing of Eze Paulinus Ekwueme and five others along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema.
The other victims were identified as Amadi Uchechukwu Emmanuel, Onyivara Maduabuchi Jornadad, Gift Broaddic, Abraham Lincoln and Otor Benjamin.
The police said Ekwueme had returned to Nigeria after spending about five years in the United States before the attack.
According to the Force, the monarch was allegedly invited to a meeting at Ochia and attacked while returning towards Owerri.
The police said its investigation had identified Acid as the suspected leader of the group linked to the attack.
The Force said investigations into the gang and its alleged activities were ongoing.
It also vowed to arrest members who escaped during the operation and prosecute anyone found to have participated in the crimes.
The police urged residents to provide information that could help locate the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
The Force said it would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations against criminal groups across the country.
