The Nigeria Police Force has killed a suspected gang kingpin allegedly linked to the murder of an Imo monarch and five other persons during a gun battle in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The suspect, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, popularly known as “Acid”, was killed on August 6 during an operation conducted by operatives of the Special Tactics Squad and Force Intelligence Department. The operation, according to the police, was based on actionable intelligence.
Force spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, said the operation was part of a series of coordinated efforts carried out between August 2 and 6 to track members of a criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for the April 10 attack that claimed the lives of Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others.
According to the police, operatives located Martin’s hideout in Ohaji/Egbema in the early hours of August 6. The suspect reportedly engaged the security team in a gun duel and sustained injuries during the encounter, which later resulted in his death.
The police said one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene.
Four suspects had previously been arrested in connection with the attack, while two others reportedly died during earlier encounters with the police.
The Force said it has intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, determine the full extent of their involvement and recover additional weapons and intelligence.
