The Nigeria Police Force has said it killed a suspected kingpin in connection with the murder of an Imo State monarch and five others in Ohaki/Egbema in the state.

The police identified the criminal kingpin as Ojiogu Elumah Martin.

In a statement on Saturday by the force spokesman, Ani Iniedu, said the police operatives engaged the suspect in a gun battle on Thursday.

The Peoples Gazette earlier reported that suspected gunmen killed the monarch, Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom and five others in Ochia village.

“Following actionable intelligence, operatives of the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID), conducted a series of operations between 2nd and 6th August, 2026, targeting members of the criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the incident,” Mr Iniedu said.

He stated that the operation in the wee hours of Thursday targeted the hideout of a suspected gang kingpin, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid,” in Ohaji/Egbema. 

Mr Iniedu explained that the suspect engaged the operatives in a gun duel and sustained injuries during the encounter, which subsequently led to his death. 

“One AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene,” he stated.

The spokesman added that the suspect was identified as an alleged leader of the criminal syndicate linked to the April 10 attack in which the monarch and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema, while returning to Owerri. 

He added that four suspects were earlier arrested in connection with the incident, while two others reportedly died during previous encounters with the Police.

“Efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, establish the full extent of their involvement and recover further operational intelligence and exhibits,” he stated.