Arrest of LG Vice Chairman: Group demands independent probe

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, demanding an independent investigation into the arrest of the Vice Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Vice Chairman, identified as Igbokwe Prince Matthew Onyekaozuru, was said to have been arrested over alleged car snatching and vandalism.

The Executive Director of RULAAC,  Okechukwu Nwanguma, in a petition dated April 8, 2026 and addressed to the IGP, said that it received credible but deeply troubling information regarding the arrest of the suspect by operatives of the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to Nwanguma, Onyekaozuru was arrested in connection with alleged offences, including car snatching and vehicle vandalisation within the Festac area of Lagos State.

“The suspect was reportedly paraded by operatives, including a tactical unit operating around the Ladipo Market area,” the petition stated.

The group also referenced an official press 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 syndicates and vandalism.

He expressed concern over claims that the suspect is a serving elected official and has allegedly been linked to serious violent crimes in Imo State.

He added: “It is said that the suspect has been involved in serious violent crimes in Imo State, including prior arrest by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (‘Tiger Base’) of the Imo State Police Command.”

The human rights activist further said that he had received disturbing allegations suggesting that the suspect may have previously evaded justice despite earlier arrests.

 “This raises critical questions about possible political interference, compromise of investigations, and systemic failure of accountability mechanisms,” the petition noted.

Nwanguma warned of the risk of a repeat of alleged past impunity if the current investigation is not handled transparently.

“Given the gravity of these allegations, there are credible concerns that the suspect may once again evade justice if the current investigation is not handled with strict professionalism, transparency, and independence,” he stated.

Nwanguma further noted that the case highlights a broader issue of alleged infiltration of political office by individuals linked to criminal activity.

“Such developments undermine public trust and pose risks to democratic governance and the rule of law,” he added.

RULAAC called on the IGP to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the case.

It urged the police authorities to “ensure that the ongoing investigation in Lagos State is conducted professionally, impartially, and without interference.”

RULAAC also demanded “an independent review of previous cases involving the suspect in Imo State” and called for an investigation into any officers who may have facilitated prior evasion of justice.

RULAAC further stressed the need to “guarantee transparency and public accountability in the handling of the current case,” adding that the suspect should be prosecuted if credible evidence is established.

“The credibility of the Nigeria Police Force depends on the consistent and impartial enforcement of the law, regardless of status,” the petition emphasised.

“This case presents an opportunity to reinforce public confidence in policing and accountability,” Nwanguma added.