The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, urging a “prompt, independent and impartial investigation” into alleged irregularities in a recent probe by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
The case, involving alleged vandalism and robbery of telecommunications infrastructure valued at ₦150 million, was presented by the police as a breakthrough. But RULAAC says troubling questions have emerged about the conduct of the investigation, possible evidence tampering, and retaliation against suspects.
At a press briefing, AIG Simeon Akpanudom announced that FCID Annex Lagos had received a petition on August 11, 2026, from Plutolord Solicitors on behalf of ATC Telecommunications Nationwide. The petition alleged that armed groups attacked telecom facilities in Lagos and the Southeast between March and May, stealing batteries, solar panels, and other equipment.
Police operatives later arrested four suspects, Abuchi Odikemere (29), Anyanwu Emmanuel (28), Kayode Segun (28), and Emmanuel Chineku (17) and displayed recovered exhibits including 52 solar batteries, surveillance cameras, and tools.
RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, emphasised that the organisation is not seeking to obstruct justice but wants transparency. “We are asking the Nigeria Police Force to establish the truth through evidence capable of independent verification,” he said in the petition.
Among the concerns raised are allegations that the petition date may have been backdated to justify earlier police actions, CCTV cameras at the suspect’s premises were allegedly destroyed during the raid, and a 17-year-old suspect was unlawfully detained with his phone retained.
Businessman Chika Onwa Odo, who trades in used telecom batteries, claims he has been repeatedly targeted through similar allegations, suggesting a pattern of harassment and extortion.
RULAAC also expressed concern about possible retaliation after its intervention, citing reports that police officers vowed Chika would be “dealt with.”
The petition calls on the Inspector-General to preserve all petitions, registers, and investigation diaries, and to trace the seized batteries through serial numbers and asset records. “If credible evidence connects Chika, his workers or any other suspect to vandalism, robbery, theft or knowing receipt of stolen telecommunications equipment, they should be prosecuted. But if police processes were manipulated… those responsible must equally face appropriate consequences,” the petition stated.
RULAAC insists that accountability within the police force is essential to maintaining public trust.
The petition now pressures the Inspector-General to decide whether an independent panel will review the FCID Annex’s handling of the case. This move could set a precedent for transparency in high-profile investigations.
