Police operatives attached to the Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) have gunned down a suspected bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as “Acid”.
Acid was killed in a gun battle between his gang members and security forces during an operation against criminal groups in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation was launched on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, following the killing of the first-class monarch, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, in Imo.
The gang was being investigated over the monarch’s killing and five other persons who were maimed on April 10, 2026, along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State.
The monarch was allegedly attacked while returning towards Owerri from a meeting he was invited in Ochia.
He had reportedly returned to Nigeria after spending about five years in the United States.
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.
Police said the investigation identified “Acid” as the suspected leader of the group linked to the attack.
It was gathered that a gun battle ensued when the operatives stormed Acid’s hideout in Ohaji/Egbema, with the duel lasting for several hours before the kingpin was killed.
Police spokesman, Anietie Iniedu, who confirmed the incident, explained that the suspect opened fire on the operatives after sighting them, provoking them to return the fire that eventually neutralised him.
He said, “The police recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the scene. Other members of the gang escaped into the forest during the operation.
“Preliminary investigation shows that ‘Acid’ was allegedly the leader of a criminal group linked to several killings and other violent crimes in Ohaji/Egbema and nearby communities between 2024 and 2026.
“The police are still investigating the activities of the group and the roles played by its members. Before the latest operation, STS-FID operatives had arrested four suspects and neutralised two other members of the group.
“One of the suspects arrested earlier was Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as ‘K2’. Following the arrest of K2, the police received information that ‘Acid’ allegedly killed Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026.
“He was said to have suspected that Nwaele gave information that helped the police arrest one of his gang members. The police are investigating the case as part of the wider investigation into the group.”
