Police Kill Notorious Bandit Kingpin ‘Acid’ In Imo

Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID) of the Nigeria Police Force have neutralised a suspected notorious bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, popularly known as “Acid”, during a gun battle in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of 6 August, followed a directive by the inspector-general of police, IGP Olatunji Disu, as part of efforts to dismantle the criminal gang allegedly responsible for a series of killings and violent attacks in the area.

According to the force public relations officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operation was led by the assistant commissioner of police, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey.

The police said the operatives stormed Acid’s hideout at about 1:30 a.m., but the suspect opened fire when he sighted the team, triggering a gun battle that lasted several hours.

“Acid was eventually killed during the encounter, while other members of the gang reportedly escaped into the surrounding forest,” the statement added.

The police said an AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene.

Police preliminary investigations identified Acid as the alleged leader of a criminal group that has been operating in Ohaji/Egbema and neighbouring communities between 2024 and 2026.

The group is being investigated over several killings and violent crimes, including the 10 April 2026 murder of the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, and five others.

The monarch and the other victims were reportedly attacked along the Asa/Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema while returning towards Owerri.

Those killed alongside the monarch 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 investigations allegedly identified Acid as the suspected leader of the group linked to the attack.