Operatives of the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID), have killed a kingpin and arrested three others in connection to the murdered of Imo Monarch and his five cabinet members.

The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence, operatives of the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID), conducted a series of operations between 2nd and 6th August, 2026, targeting members of the criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the murder of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State.

The Force Police Public Relations Officer (FPRO) CSP Ani Iniedu in a Statement yesterday said the operations that led to the arrest of the suspects culminated in the early hours of August 6, 2026, when operatives located the hideout of a suspected gang kingpin, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid”, in Ohaji/Egbema.

He said the suspect engaged the operatives in a gun duel and sustained injuries during the encounter, which subsequently led to his death. One AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene.

The suspect was identified as an alleged leader of the criminal syndicate linked to the attack of April 10, 2026, in which the monarch and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema, while returning to Owerri.

Four suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the incident, while two others reportedly died during previous encounters with the Police.

Iniedu said 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.

He, however, said the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring that all persons found to be connected with the crime are brought to justice and that every effort is made to bring the investigation to a logical conclusion.

It was recalled that after the gunmen murdered the monarch and five others, they opened fire on the monarch and his five cabinet members and set their SUV on fire, leaving investigators with a severely damaged crime scene and few immediate clues.

Eze Ezekureme had recently returned to Nigeria after spending nearly five years abroad and was just resuming his traditional responsibilities in Ochia Autonomous Community.

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