The Nigeria Police Force has announced a breakthrough in the investigation into the killing of an Imo monarch and five other people in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state.
The Force Headquarters said five suspects have now been arrested in connection with the April 10 attack, while two suspected members of the criminal syndicate have been killed during separate encounters with police operatives. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, disclosed the development on Saturday, saying the latest operation followed actionable intelligence gathered by investigators.
According to Iniedu, operatives of the Special Tactics Squad and Force Intelligence Department conducted a series of operations between August 2 and 6, targeting members of the criminal network allegedly linked to the killings. The operation reportedly reached a major breakthrough in the early hours of August 6 when officers located the hideout of a suspected gang leader in Ohaji/Egbema.
The suspect, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, popularly known as “Acid”, allegedly opened fire on the operatives, resulting in a gun battle. Police said Martin sustained injuries during the exchange and subsequently died. An AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were reportedly recovered from the scene.
Police identified Martin as an alleged leader of the criminal syndicate suspected of involvement in the April 10 attack along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema. The incident claimed the lives of HRH Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five other victims.
The victims were reportedly travelling towards Owerri when they came under attack. Police said the latest development was part of a broader investigation aimed at dismantling the criminal network allegedly responsible for the incident.
The Force said four suspects had previously been arrested over the attack, while two other alleged members of the group were killed during earlier encounters with police operatives. With the latest operation, the number of suspects arrested in connection with the investigation has risen to five.
The police said efforts had now been intensified to track down other members of the syndicate who remain at large. Investigators are also working to establish the full extent of each suspect’s involvement and recover additional weapons, intelligence and other exhibits that could assist the investigation.
The Force Public Relations Officer said the police would continue pursuing all individuals allegedly connected with the killings until they are brought before the appropriate authorities.
He assured that the investigation would continue until all relevant circumstances surrounding the attack were established. The police also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the deaths of the monarch and other victims are brought to justice.
