By Stephen Simon
Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad of the Force Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force have killed a suspected bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, popularly known as “Acid”, during an operation in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation, which was conducted on August 6, followed intelligence on the activities of a criminal group allegedly responsible for killings and other violent crimes in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the operatives stormed Acid’s hideout at about 1:30am after receiving intelligence on his location.
Iniedu said the suspect opened fire when he sighted the police team, resulting in a gun battle that lasted several hours before the operatives eventually neutralised him.
He said one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene, while other members of the group escaped into the surrounding forest.
The police spokesperson said preliminary investigation linked Acid to several violent crimes allegedly committed between 2024 and 2026.
Among the incidents under investigation are the killing of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five other people on April 10, 2026.
The victims were reportedly attacked along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema after the traditional ruler, who had returned to Nigeria after spending about five years in the United States, was allegedly invited to a meeting in Ochia.
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.
The police said Acid was also being investigated over alleged attacks on business interests in the area, including the burning of equipment belonging to Waltersmith Industrial Park during its construction at Awarra Road.
He was further linked by the police to the alleged burning of Oilserv equipment, including an excavator, bulldozer and welding machine, as well as alleged vandalism of the Shell TNP and Seplat pipelines.
The Force said its investigation into the activities of the criminal group was ongoing, adding that four suspects had earlier been arrested while two other alleged members had been neutralised.
The police said one of the arrested suspects, identified as Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as “K2”, allegedly provided information that helped investigators trace Acid.
The Force assured residents of Ohaji/Egbema and the wider public that efforts were underway to arrest members of the group who escaped during the operation. They force urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in tracking fleeing suspects and preventing further attacks, stressing that anyone found to have participated in the alleged crimes would be brought to justice..
