What initially appeared to be another deadly attack by “unknown gunmen” in the South-east has taken a dramatic twist, with police investigators now probing whether the killing of an Imo traditional ruler and five members of his cabinet was allegedly aided by individuals within the same community or not.

The Police on Friday said their investigation into the murder of Eze Paulinus Ezekureme, the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Imo state, had uncovered fresh leads that shifted the focus from unidentified gunmen to an alleged conspiracy involving persons familiar with the monarch’s movements.

According to the police, the investigation is on-going, and all those mentioned remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court.

The monarch was travelling with five cabinet members on April 10, 2026, when gunmen intercepted their Toyota Sequoia, opened fire and set the vehicle ablaze, killing all six occupants.

The investigation commenced after the monarch’s younger brother reported the incident to the police, prompting detectives from the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad (STS) to reconstruct the victims’ final movements and interview relatives, community leaders and other witnesses.

Police said intelligence gathered during the investigation led to the arrest of the immediate past President-General of Ochia Autonomous Community, Nze Ezekwe David Destiny, popularly known as “Akapaka,” over allegations linking him to the planning and financing of the attack. He denied the allegations.

Detectives also arrested Martinis Amadi and Lucky Azuodi, both identified as local vigilantes, over allegations that information about the monarch’s movements might have been leaked to the attackers.

Another suspect, Fidelis Eluma, is being investigated over alleged financial or logistical support.

Blueprint gathered that investigators have since expanded the probe to include forensic examination of mobile phones, call records, financial transactions and bank accounts, while post-mortem examinations have also been recommended despite the victims’ bodies being badly burnt.

Police said additional witness statements had identified more people of investigative interest, including a wanted suspect known as Dioka Elumah, alias ‘Acid,’ who remains at large.

The investigation is being coordinated by ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey-led STS in line with the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu’s directive on intelligence-led policing.