The Nigeria Police Force says it has killed a suspected gang leader connected to the murder of an Imo traditional ruler and five other people.
The suspect, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as ‘Acid’, was killed on Thursday during a gunfight with operatives of the Special Tactics Squad and the Force Intelligence Department in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State.
In a statement on Saturday, Force spokesperson Ani Iniedu said the operation followed actionable intelligence.
Iniedu said Martin was identified as the alleged head of the criminal syndicate behind the April 10 attack in which Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema while returning to Owerri.
According to the police, a series of operations targeting members of the syndicate were carried out between August 2 and August 6. Martin’s hideout was located in the early hours of August 6.
“The suspect engaged the operatives in a gun duel and sustained injuries during the encounter, which subsequently led to his death,” the statement read.
The police recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the scene.
Iniedu said four suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the incident, while two others reportedly died during previous encounters with the police.
He added that efforts have been intensified to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate, establish the full extent of their involvement, and recover further operational intelligence and exhibits.
“The police remain committed to bringing all persons connected with the killings to justice and concluding the investigation,” he said.
