A suspected leader of an armed criminal group accused of involvement in the killing of a traditional ruler and several other people in Imo State, South-East Nigeria has been killed during a police operation.
The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, says Ojiogu Elumah Martin, popularly known as “Acid”, was killed during an exchange of gunfire with operatives of the Special Tactical Squad of the Force Intelligence Department in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area.
The operation took place at about 1.30am on August 6 and was part of an investigation into the killing of the traditional ruler of Ochia Kingdom, Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, and five other people.
Police say operatives led by Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey raided a hideout where Acid was believed to be staying.
According to the Force, the suspect opened fire after seeing the officers, leading to an exchange of gunfire which lasted for several hours.
Police say Acid was killed during the exchange, while other suspected members of the group escaped into the surrounding forest.
An AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62-millimetre ammunition were recovered from the scene.
Police describe Acid as the suspected leader of a criminal group being investigated over series of killings and violent attacks in Ohaji-Egbema and neighbouring communities between 2024 and 2026.
One of the most prominent cases is the killing of Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five other people on April 10.
Police say the traditional ruler had returned to Nigeria after spending about five years in the United States and had been invited to a meeting in Ochia.
He and the other victims were attacked along the Asa-Awara Road while travelling towards Owerri, the state capital.
The five other victims were identified by police as Amadi Uchechukwu Emmanuel, a traditional leader of Achia; Onyivara Maduabuchi Jornadad, a cabinet chief of Ochia; Gift Broaddic; Abraham Lincoln; and Otor Benjamin.
Investigators allege that Acid led the group responsible for the attack. The allegations had not been tested in court before his death.
Police say the investigation extends beyond the killing of the traditional ruler as investigators are examining series of other deaths in the area over a period of about two years.
They include the reported killings of Chikaire Domandu, also known as “Asari”, Chimezie Uchenna and Ezeugo Umah in 2024.
Police are also investigating the reported killings of Domandu and Uma in December 2024, Nwaugo Ngozi, popularly known as “Igbo”, in May 2025, and Ibo Sunday in June 2025.
Other killings and violent incidents believed to be connected to the group are also under investigation.
The group is also being investigated over an attack on the business premises of ThankGod Terry on July 10 this year.
Police allege that the premises were set on fire during the attack but say they are still establishing what happened and the roles, if any, played by individual members of the group.
The Force says its investigation had already resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the killing of two other alleged members of the group before the latest operation.
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One of those previously arrested was identified as Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as “K2”.
Police say information received following K2’s arrest led investigators to examine another killing allegedly connected to Acid, which is that of Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12.
Investigators allege that Acid suspected Nwaele of providing information which helped police arrest a member of his group. The circumstances surrounding that killing remain part of the wider investigation.
The Special Tactical Squad operation was carried out under a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
Police say efforts are continuing to find the suspected members of the group who escaped into the forest during the operation.
The Force is appealing to residents and other members of the public to provide information that could assist investigators in locating the fleeing suspects.
It says anyone found to have participated in the killings or other crimes under investigation will be brought before the courts.
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Editor: Terverr Tyav
