Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department, STS-FID, have neutralised a suspected notorious gang leader, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as Acid, during a night operation in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
The operation, coordinated by ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, took place at about 1:30am on August 6, 2026, following actionable intelligence on the suspect’s activities and location, with the police saying Acid opened fire on the operatives when they arrived at his hideout, leading to a gun battle in which he was neutralised
The police said other members of the gang escaped into the forest during the operation, while blood stains were found at the scene, and efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects, recover more weapons and gather further intelligence on the criminal network
The operation followed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu Rilwan, to ensure that those responsible for the killing of the late Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others were brought to justice, with the STS-FID saying Acid was identified as the alleged kingpin of the gang linked to the April 10, 2026 attack
The police said four suspects had earlier been arrested and two members of the syndicate neutralised, including Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as K2, adding that Acid allegedly killed Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12 after suspecting that he provided information that led to K2’s arrest
Police intelligence also linked Acid to several other killings, including Chikaire Domandu, also known as Asari, Chimezie Uchenna and Ezeugo Umah in October 2024, Domandu and Uma in December 2024, Ibo Sunday in June 2025 and Nwaugo Ngozi, popularly known as Igbo, in May 2025
The police further alleged that Acid and his gang were involved in the July 10, 2026 burning of the shop belonging to ThankGod Terry, while investigators are examining other cases involving victims whose identities and circumstances have not yet been fully established
The April 10 attack involved Eze Ekwueme and five others who were ambushed along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema while returning towards Owerri in the monarch’s Toyota Sequoia, according to the police, with the monarch having returned to Nigeria after spending about five years in the United States to celebrate Easter with his people
The other victims were identified as Amadi Uchechukwu Emmanuel, a traditional leader of Achia, Onyivara Maduabuchi Jornadad, a cabinet chief of Ochia, Gift Broaddic, Abraham Lincoln and Otor Benjamin, with the police saying the investigation into the killings led to earlier arrests and operations against members of the alleged syndicate
The STS-FID said investigation remains ongoing as operatives intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing gang members, recover additional operational weapons and establish the roles of other suspects allegedly involved in the killings and attacks
