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 police intensify efforts to uncover those behind 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.
According to police findings, the victims were travelling in a Toyota Sequoia when armed men intercepted the vehicle along the route and set it ablaze. All six occupants were burnt beyond recognition.
Although the attack was initially believed to be the handiwork of unknown gunmen, investigators say ongoing inquiries have shifted attention to the possibility that the attackers might have received advance information about the monarch’s movements.
The investigation began after the monarch’s younger brother, Ewneme Justice, reported the killings to the police.
Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad reportedly reconstructed the monarch’s final movements, interviewing family members, community leaders and associates to determine who had prior knowledge of the journey.
A police source said investigators examined telephone records, meetings, relationships and other activities connected to the monarch before concluding that possible internal collaboration could not be ruled out.
Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, police arrested three persons described as individuals of investigative interest.
Detectives are examining allegations that two of the suspects accompanied the monarch shortly before the attack and are investigating whether information about his movement may have been passed to those who carried out the ambush.
Another suspect is also being investigated over alleged financial or logistical support to persons linked to the case.
Police also 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 matters were discussed.
The witness reportedly mentioned several individuals known by the aliases “Acid,” “Morocco,” “SARS Man” and “Thunder,” and supplied telephone numbers now being analysed by investigators to establish possible communication links.
As part of the 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 connected to some of the persons under investigation to determine whether financial transactions occurred before or after the killings.
Police also recommended post-mortem examinations of the bodies 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 led by 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 continued.
The Force added that the investigation was being conducted in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, stressing that all those mentioned remained presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
