Police Kill Suspected Kingpin In Imo Monarch Murder Probe

The Nigeria Police Force says it has made a major breakthrough in its investigation into the killing of an Imo monarch and five others.

The Force said operatives of the Special Tactics Squad and Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) carried out several operations between 2 and 6 August 2026 following actionable intelligence on the criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the attack.

According to a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu, the operations led officers to the hideout of suspected gang leader Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid”, in Ohaji/Egbema during the early hours of 6 August.

Police said the suspect engaged officers in a gun battle and sustained injuries before dying. Operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the scene.

The police identified Martin as an alleged leader of the criminal group linked to the 10 April 2026 attack that claimed the lives of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others. The victims were killed along the Asa/Awara road in Ohaji/Egbema while returning to Owerri.

Four suspects had previously been arrested over the incident, while two others reportedly died in earlier encounters with police.

The police said investigations would continue as officers work to locate other members of the alleged syndicate and gather further evidence.

“Following the latest operation, efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, establish the full extent of their involvement and recover further operational intelligence and exhibits.”

The Nigeria Police Force said it remained committed to bringing everyone linked to the crime to justice and completing the investigation. The latest operation marks a significant development in the Imo monarch murder probe.

What further measures should authorities take to ensure the remaining suspects face justice?