RULAAC Calls for Independent Probe into Arrest of Imo LG Vice Chairman Over Car Theft Allegations
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has formally urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, to order an independent investigation into the arrest of Igbokwe Prince Matthew Onyekaozuru, the Vice Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government in Imo State, for alleged car snatching and vandalisation. This call comes amid concerns over potential political interference and systemic failures in accountability mechanisms.
Arrest and Allegations in Lagos State
Onyekaozuru was apprehended in Lagos State, where the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, recently highlighted operational successes, including arrests linked to vehicle theft syndicates and vandalisation. According to RULAAC, the suspect was arrested in connection with offences such as car snatching and vehicle vandalisation in the Festac axis of Lagos and was paraded by police operatives, including a tactical unit operating around the Ladipo Market area.
Concerns Over Past Criminal Activities and Evasion of Justice
In a letter to the IGP's office, RULAAC's Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, expressed deep concern over reports that Onyekaozuru has allegedly been involved in serious violent crimes in Imo State, including a prior arrest by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base) of the Imo State Police Command. The organisation highlighted disturbing allegations that, in previous instances, the suspect escaped accountability despite being arrested, raising critical questions about possible political interference, compromise of investigations, and systemic failures in accountability mechanisms.
Nwanguma stated that 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 emphasised that this case underscores a troubling pattern: the potential infiltration of political office by individuals linked to serious criminal activity, which undermines public trust and poses risks to democratic governance and the rule of law.
Demands for Transparency and Accountability
Consequently, RULAAC has called on the IGP to ensure that the ongoing investigation in Lagos State is conducted professionally, impartially, and without any interference. The organisation also demanded an independent review of previous cases involving the suspect in Imo State, a probe into any police officer who may have facilitated prior evasion of justice, a guarantee of transparency and public accountability in handling the current case, and assurance that the suspect is prosecuted if credible evidence is established, in accordance with the law.
RULAAC reiterated that the credibility of the Nigeria Police Force depends on the consistent and impartial enforcement of the law, regardless of an individual's status. The case presents an opportunity to reinforce public confidence in policing and accountability, stressing the need for robust measures to address any lapses in the justice system.
