Police operatives have killed one Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid” a suspected gang kingpin who allegedly masterminded the murder of Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, a traditional ruler and five others in Ohaji/Egbema community of Imo State.
Police operatives had earlier arrested four suspects over the killing of the traditional ruler who was the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others.
Acid’ was arrested following actionable intelligence by operatives of the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID), CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer said in a statement on Saturday.
He said the kidnap kingpin was arrested in a series of operations conducted between 2nd and 6th August, 2026, targeting members of the criminal syndicate linked to the incident by the operatives.
“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,” Iniedu said.
The police spokesperson said that Acid was identified as the 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.
“Four suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the incident, while two others reportedly died during previous encounters with the Police,” he said.
Iniedu added that efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and establish the full extent of their involvement and recover further operational intelligence and exhibits.
“The Nigeria Police 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,” Iniedu concluded.
