Eze Paulinus Ezekureme, traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, and five members of his cabinet were killed on April 10, 2026, when armed men intercepted their vehicle and set it ablaze.
The monarch had returned to Nigeria only weeks earlier after nearly five years abroad. He left Ochia with his aides bound for Owerri in a Toyota Sequoia. Police say the attackers stopped the vehicle along the route. By the time help arrived, the six men had been burnt beyond recognition.
The killings were initially attributed to unknown gunmen. No group claimed responsibility. Eze Ezekureme’s younger brother, Ewneme Justice, reported the incident to the police, prompting a formal investigation by homicide detectives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad.
Investigators focused on who knew the monarch’s movements that day. They interviewed family members, community leaders, associates and residents. Attention shifted to the possibility that information about the journey had been shared in advance and that individuals within the community may have played roles before the ambush.
Coordinated operations led to the arrest of several persons of investigative interest. Police are examining claims that two of three suspects in custody escorted the monarch shortly before the attack and whether information about his movements was passed to the attackers. Detectives are also looking into possible financial or logistical support linked to others under investigation.
A witness identified as Obi told investigators about a meeting held in March 2026 at an oil company premises where petroleum operations and community matters were discussed. The witness named individuals by the aliases Acid, Morocco, SARS Man and Thunder and supplied telephone numbers that police believe may help trace communications. Investigators are assessing whether anything connected to that meeting relates to the killings.
Detectives have recommended forensic examination of recovered mobile phones, call records, location data, electronic messages and financial transactions. Bank accounts allegedly linked to persons under investigation are being traced. Post-mortem examinations have been ordered despite the extensive burning of the bodies.
As of the latest update, the investigation remains open under ACP Victor Godfrey of the Special Tactical Squad, in line with directives from Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu. Efforts continue to locate other persons of interest, including one Elumah, also known as Acid.
All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Residents of Ochia continue to ask how the attackers knew exactly where and when to strike.
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