Police operatives in Imo State have killed a suspected criminal gang leader, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid”, during a gun battle in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect was killed on August 6, 2026, when operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Special Tactical Squad and Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) raided his hideout at about 1:30 a.m.
The operation was carried out on the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and led by ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey.
According to the police, Acid opened fire on the operatives when they arrived at the location, resulting in a gun battle that lasted several hours.
He was eventually neutralised, while other members of the gang reportedly fled into the surrounding forest.
Police said one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered from the scene.
Link To Monarch’s Murder
The police identified Acid as the alleged leader of a criminal syndicate linked to the April 10, 2026, attack on Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema, where a traditional ruler and five others were killed.
The monarch, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, was reportedly returning towards Owerri after a meeting in Ochia when gunmen attacked his convoy.
The first-class traditional ruler had recently returned to Nigeria after spending about five years in the United States.
The attackers also killed Amadi Uchechukwu Emmanuel, a traditional leader; Onyivara Maduabuchi Jornadad, a cabinet chief; Gift Broaddic; Abraham Lincoln; and Otor Benjamin.
The victims’ bodies and vehicle were subsequently set ablaze.
As part of investigations into the incident, STS-FID operatives had earlier arrested four suspects and killed two other alleged members of the gang. One of the arrested suspects was identified as Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as “K2”.
Other Crimes Under Investigation
Preliminary police investigations have also linked Acid’s alleged syndicate to a series of killings and violent attacks in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring areas between 2024 and 2026.
Those allegedly killed by the group include Chikaire Domandu, also known as “Asari”; Chimezie Uchenna; and Ezeugo Umah, around October 2024.
Police also linked the group to the killings of Ibo Sunday and Nwaugo Ngozi, known as “Igbo”, in 2025.
Another victim, Emeka Ebere Nwaele, was allegedly killed on May 12, 2026, after Acid reportedly suspected him of providing information to the police.
The syndicate was also accused of carrying out arson and attacks on businesses and industrial equipment.
Among the incidents under investigation are the July 10, 2026, attack on a shop belonging to ThankGod Terry, the destruction of construction equipment, including a caterpillar and bulldozer, at Waltersmith Industrial Park, and attacks on equipment belonging to Oilserv.
The police said investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and track down its remaining members.
