Police Say Five Arrested In Imo Monarch Murder Probe

Police have reported fresh arrests in the investigation into the killing of Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five other people in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State.

The Force Headquarters said operatives of the Special Tactics Squad under the Force Intelligence Department carried out operations between August 2 and August 6 against suspects allegedly linked to the April 10 attack.

Vanguard and Daily Post both reported that five suspects had been arrested. The reports also said a suspected gang leader, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, also known as Acid, died after a gun battle with police operatives in Ohaji/Egbema.

The police said one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered during the operation. Four suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the case, while two others were reported to have died in previous encounters with the police.

According to the police account carried by both outlets, the murdered monarch and the five other victims were attacked along the Asa/Awara road while returning to Owerri. Police said efforts were continuing to find other fleeing members of the syndicate and establish the full extent of their involvement.

The case remains at the investigation stage. The arrested suspects have not been reported as convicted, and police said further inquiries were still ongoing.

Sources: Vanguard and Daily Post.