Police make major investigation breakthrough into murder of Imo monarch
Police Announce Significant Breakthrough in Ekwueme Murder Investigation
The Nigeria Police Force has reported a major advancement in the investigation surrounding the murder of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, known as the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, along with five others in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State.
In a statement released by CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, officials confirmed that, acting on actionable intelligence, operatives from the Special Tactics Squad within the Force Intelligence Department conducted targeted operations between August 2 and August 6, 2026. These operations were focused on individuals allegedly connected to the criminal syndicate involved in the incidents.
The operations reached a critical point in the early hours of August 6, when officers located the hideout of a suspect identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid,” in Ohaji/Egbema. According to police reports, Martin opened fire on the operatives, resulting in a gunfight during which he was injured and later died. Authorities recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and 56 rounds of live ammunition at the scene.
The police indicated that Martin was allegedly a leader of the criminal group responsible for the April 10, 2026, attack on Ekwueme and others as they traveled along the Asa/Awara road, returning to Owerri.
Prior to this operation, four suspects were arrested in connection with the case, while two others reportedly died during earlier confrontations with police. CSP Iniedu stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects who are currently on the run, and to gather more intelligence related to the crime.
The Nigeria Police reaffirmed its commitment to bringing all individuals connected to the murder to justice and to concluding the investigation thoroughly.
