The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, has asked the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police Force to provide an update on the investigation into allegations of criminal conduct against former Vice Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Prince Matthew Igbokwe.
In a petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, the Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, requested clarification on the status of the investigation, the suspect’s custody status, and whether charges had been filed.
According to the petition, the organisation had earlier written to the Inspector-General of Police on April 8 and April 10, 2026, over concerns surrounding the arrest and detention of Igbokwe in connection with alleged car snatching and vehicle vandalisation within the Festac area of Lagos State.
RULAAC stated that available records indicated that the former council vice chairman was arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command and detained at the command headquarters following his arrest.
“The arrest was publicly referenced during a press briefing on April 7, 2026, by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command,” the petition stated.
The organisation further noted that the arrest and subsequent developments had generated significant public concern.
According to RULAAC, the Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area had formally informed relevant authorities of Igbokwe’s arrest, describing the development as “deeply embarrassing” and confirming that the former vice chairman had been absent from official duties for more than three months before his arrest.
The petition also disclosed that the Ezinihitte Mbaise Legislative Council later impeached Igbokwe from office after issuing due notice.
RULAAC said the impeachment was based on allegations of gross absenteeism, unauthorised travel outside Imo State, and “serious criminal allegations, including his reported arrest and detention by the Lagos State Police Command over alleged car theft and related offences.”
The council, according to the organisation, maintained that the allegations had brought “shame and ridicule” to the government and people of Imo State.
Expressing concern over what it described as the lack of public updates on the matter, RULAAC questioned the current status of the suspect, the progress of the investigation, and whether steps had been taken to preserve evidence and prevent interference.
The organisation also referenced “credible reports of possible attempts to tamper with evidence linked to the case, including the alleged removal of items from the suspect’s residence in Imo State shortly after his arrest.”
RULAAC urged the police to provide “a clear and updated status report” on the investigation and clarify whether the suspect remained in custody, had been granted bail, or had been charged in court.
The group also requested details of any collaboration between the Lagos and Imo State Police Commands in relation to the case.
“This case presents a critical opportunity for the Nigeria Police Force to reinforce public confidence in its commitment to accountability and the rule of law, particularly in cases involving politically exposed persons,” the petition stated.
“Transparency in the handling of this matter is essential to dispel concerns about possible compromise, undue influence, or a repeat of past instances where serious allegations reportedly did not result in accountability.”
RULAAC added that “no individual, regardless of status or office, should be above the law, and that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.”
