Operatives of the Nigerian Police Special Tactical Squad have shot dead a suspected bandit kingpin identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, widely known as “Acid.” This followed a gun battle at his hideout in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation was launched on the direct orders of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, following the killing of Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom. A first-class traditional ruler in Imo State. The monarch was allegedly attacked on April 10, 2026, while returning toward Owerri from a meeting in Ochia, having recently returned to Nigeria after spending approximately five years in the United States. Five other individuals were also maimed in the same attack along the Asa/Awara Road.
Police investigations identified Acid as the suspected leader of the criminal group responsible for the attack. When operatives stormed his hideout, a gun battle lasting several hours ensued before he was killed. Police spokesman Anietie Iniedu confirmed that Acid opened fire on operatives upon sighting them, prompting return fire that neutralised him.
Officers recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the scene.
Investigations
Preliminary investigations indicate that Acid led a group responsible for multiple killings and violent crimes across Ohaji/Egbema and surrounding communities between 2024 and 2026. Prior to Sunday’s operation, security forces had already arrested four suspects and neutralised two other gang members. One of those earlier arrests, a suspect identified as Chinwendo Mirabe, also known as K2, led to further intelligence.
Following K2’s arrest, police received information that Acid had allegedly killed one Emeka Ebere Nwaele on May 12, 2026. Having suspected that Nwaele was the informant who led to the arrest of a gang member. That case is being investigated as part of the broader inquiry.
Other gang members escaped into surrounding forest during Sunday’s operation. The manhunt continues.
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