The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, calling for an independent and uncompromised investigation into the arrest of Igbokwe Prince Matthew Onyekaozuru, Vice Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a letter dated April 8, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the group expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Onyekaozuru’s arrest and alleged attempts to interfere with ongoing investigations.
According to Nwanguma, the suspect is currently in the custody of the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police Force over alleged offences including car snatching and vehicle vandalisation in the Festac area of Lagos.
“Information available to us indicates that the suspect was apprehended in connection with alleged offences including car snatching and vehicle vandalisation within the Festac axis of Lagos State,” the petition stated.
RULAAC referenced a police briefing issued on April 7, 2026, by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, which highlighted recent operational successes, including arrests linked to vehicle theft and vandalisation syndicates.
The group, however, raised serious concerns about the suspect’s background, noting that he is a serving elected official who has allegedly been linked to violent crimes in Imo State and was previously arrested by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command.
It further disclosed that the Ezinihitte Mbaise Legislative Council has suspended the official indefinitely and issued him a seven-day ultimatum to appear before the House over allegations ranging from absenteeism to involvement in criminal activities.
“This official action by the Legislative Council underscores the gravity of the matter and adds a significant layer of institutional concern,” Nwanguma said.
RULAAC also alleged that the suspect may have evaded justice in the past due to possible political interference and compromised investigations.
The group raised fresh alarm over what it described as credible reports of evidence tampering linked to the case.
“Apparently in anticipation of a possible police search, the suspect’s wife, Mrs. Chidinma Igbokwe, accompanied by his elder brother, Mr. Vitus Igbokwe, reportedly accessed his residence in Onicha Ezinihitte Mbaise and removed items that may constitute material evidence,” the petition stated.
It added that the individuals were allegedly seen leaving the premises with the items in a vehicle, an act RULAAC said could amount to obstruction of justice and interference with police investigation.
“If verified, this development raises serious concerns about obstruction of justice and possible destruction or concealment of evidence,” Nwanguma said.
The organisation warned of a “risk of repeat impunity,” stressing that the suspect could evade justice again if the investigation is not handled with transparency and professionalism.
“The Nigeria Police Force cannot afford a repeat of the apparent cover-ups and investigative lapses that previously enabled the suspect to evade accountability,” the petition added.
RULAAC urged the Inspector-General of Police to issue clear directives to the Lagos State Command to prevent any form of compromise and to ensure the case is closely supervised from Force Headquarters.
It also called for collaboration between Lagos and Imo State police commands, recovery of any removed evidence, and interrogation of individuals allegedly involved in tampering with exhibits.
Among other demands, the group sought a review of previous cases involving the suspect in Imo State and an investigation into any officers who may have aided past evasion of justice.
“ The credibility of the Nigeria Police Force depends on the consistent and impartial enforcement of the law, regardless of status,” Nwanguma stated.
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