The Nigeria Police Force has achieved a notable advancement in the case surrounding the assassination of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, alongside five other victims in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State.
CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, stated that detectives from the Special Tactics Squad of the Force Intelligence Department launched targeted raids between August 2 and August 6, 2026. These actions followed reports identifying key members of the criminal network.
Early on August 6, 2026, authorities discovered the base of Ojiogu Elumah Martin, known as Acid, who was suspected of leading the group. During a subsequent shootout, the suspect was mortally wounded. Police seized an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and 56 rounds of ammunition at the location.
Authorities believe Martin directed the April 10, 2026, attack on the Asa/Awara road that resulted in the deaths of the monarch and his companions as they traveled toward Owerri. While four individuals were previously taken into custody and two others died in past confrontations, police are now hunting the remaining suspects to finalize the investigation.
