Imo Monarch Killing: Police Probe Possible Insider Role

:

Fresh details have emerged in the investigation into the killing of the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Paulinus Ezekureme, as the Nigeria Police intensify efforts to identify those responsible for the deadly attack.

The monarch, who had recently returned to Nigeria after spending nearly five years abroad, was killed alongside five members of his cabinet on April 10, 2026, while travelling to Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Police investigations revealed that the victims were travelling in a Toyota Sequoia when armed men intercepted the vehicle along the route and set it on fire. All six occupants were burnt beyond recognition.
Although the attack was initially attributed to unknown gunmen, investigators now believe the assailants may have received advance information about the monarch’s movement, prompting a fresh line of inquiry into a possible insider connection.
The investigation commenced after the monarch’s younger brother, Ewneme Justice, reported the incident to the police.
Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad reconstructed the monarch’s final movements and interviewed family members, community leaders and associates to determine who knew about the trip before it took place.
According to a police source, detectives examined telephone records, meetings, relationships and other activities linked to the monarch before concluding that internal collaboration could not be ruled out.
Based on intelligence gathered during the investigation, police arrested three persons described as individuals of investigative interest.
Detectives are investigating allegations that two of the suspects accompanied the monarch shortly before the attack and are probing whether information about his movement was passed to those who carried out the ambush.
Another suspect is also being investigated over alleged financial or logistical support to persons connected with the case.
Police further disclosed that a witness identified simply as Obi provided information about a meeting held in March 2026 at the premises of an oil company, where petroleum-related and community issues were discussed.
The witness reportedly mentioned several individuals known by the aliases “Acid,” “Morocco,” “SARS Man,” and “Thunder,” and supplied telephone numbers that investigators are now analysing to establish possible communication links.
As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives have recommended forensic examinations of recovered mobile phones, call records, location history, electronic messages and financial transactions.
Investigators are also tracing bank accounts allegedly linked to some of the persons under investigation to determine whether any financial transactions took place before or after the killings.
Police also recommended post-mortem examinations of the victims despite the severe burns sustained in the attack, with the aim of preserving scientific evidence for possible prosecution.
The investigation is being handled by the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad under the leadership of ACP Victor Godfrey.
Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other persons of investigative interest, including one suspect identified as Elumah, also known as “Acid,” while forensic analysis, digital investigations and intelligence gathering continue.
The Force added that the investigation is being conducted in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, stressing that everyone mentioned in the case remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.