By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Saturday, announced the killing of the suspected ringleader of the gang linked to the murder of Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Council of Imo State.
Ekwueme was on April 10, 2026, ambushed and killed alongside five of his cabinet members while on their way to Owerri the Imo State capital.
Although preliminary findings had linked the incident to the activities of terrorist elements, the Police, last week, informed that they have discovered fresh facts concerning the development.
According to the Imo police Command, there are strong indications that the incident may have been the handiwork of insiders believed to be privy to the intinerary of the Monarch.
The Police also announced the arrest of some suspects, including one Ezekwe David Destiny, the immediate past President General of the community, in connection with the incident.
The Imo police authorities also disclosed that a known criminal suspect, Dioka Elumah, popular as “Acid” , who is at large is wanted over his alleged role in the murder of the traditional ruler and five of his Chiefs.
But the Force Headquarters on Saturday declared that Elumah has been gunned down by operatives.
According to Ani Iniedu the Force Police Public Relations Officer, Elumah died in a grueling battle with operatives who had been on his trail since being linked to the gruesome murder of the Monarch.
The wanted gang leader, according the Force spokesperson, was neutralized by operatives of the Special Tactics Squad ,Force Intelligence Department STS-FID, during operations conducted between August 2, and 6, 2026.
Iniedu noted that the special operations were targeted at members of the criminal syndicate linked to the killing of the traditional ruler.
“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 operatives in a gun duel ,and sustained injuries during the encounter, which subsequently led to his death.
“The suspect was identified as an alleged leader of the criminal syndicate linked to the attack of 10th April, 2026, during which the Monarch and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema, while returning to Owerri ,the spokesperson stated.
David Destiny the community’s immediate past President General, Martins Amadi, Lucky Azuodi and Fidelis Eluma had earlier been arrested by the Imo State Police authorities in connection with the incident.
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