The Nigeria Police Force says its investigation into the killing of the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, and five others in Imo State has yielded a fresh breakthrough, with the alleged leader of a criminal syndicate linked to the attack killed during a police operation.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the latest development followed intelligence-led operations conducted by operatives of the Special Tactics Squad and Force Intelligence Department between August 2 and 6, 2026. The operations targeted members of the group suspected to have been involved in the April 10 attack.

According to the police, operatives located the hideout of a suspected gang leader, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as ‘Acid’, in Ohaji/Egbema in the early hours of August 6. Police said the suspect engaged officers in a gun battle and sustained injuries that later proved fatal.

The Force said one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62 millimetre ammunition were recovered from the scene. The police identified Martin as an alleged leader of the syndicate believed to be connected to the attack along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema, where the monarch and the other victims were killed while returning to Owerri.

The latest operation builds on earlier arrests in the case. Police said four suspects had previously been taken into custody, while two other alleged members of the group died in earlier encounters with security operatives.

The Force said the investigation has now been expanded to track other members of the suspected syndicate who remain at large. According to the police, efforts are also underway to establish the extent of each suspect’s involvement and recover additional weapons, intelligence and other evidence that could assist the investigation.

The police have assured the families of the victims and the wider public that the investigation will continue until all persons found to be connected with the killings are brought to justice. The Force said the latest operation represents part of its broader effort to bring the case to a logical conclusion and hold those responsible accountable.