The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised a red flag over the ongoing police investigation into the arrest of Mr. Igbokwe Prince Matthew Onyekaozuru, Vice Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area in Imo State, warning that political interference and alleged evidence tampering could once again allow a high-profile suspect to evade justice.
In a strongly worded petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, RULAAC expressed deep fears that the Lagos State Police Command’s probe into alleged car snatching and vehicle vandalisation in the Festac axis could be compromised, repeating what the group described as a disturbing pattern of impunity surrounding the suspect in Imo State.
The petition, signed by RULAAC Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma, comes just a day after the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, held a press briefing on April 7 highlighting successes against vehicle theft syndicates. Onyekaozuru was reportedly paraded by operatives from a tactical unit operating around Ladipo Market.
RULAAC highlighted the suspect’s status as a serving elected official and his recent indefinite suspension by the Ezinihitte Mbaise Legislative Council, which gave him a seven-day ultimatum to appear before the House over allegations of absenteeism, criminal involvement, and conduct that brought his office into disrepute.
The group’s greatest concern, however, centres on fresh allegations of obstruction of justice. According to information RULAAC said it received, on Thursday, April 9, the suspect’s wife, Mrs. Chidinma Igbokwe, and his elder brother, Mr. Vitus Igbokwe, travelled from Owerri to the family residence in Onicha Ezinihitte Mbaise. Between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., they allegedly conducted a search and removed several items believed to be potential exhibits relevant to the ongoing investigation. The items were reportedly loaded into a red vehicle driven by Mr. Vitus Igbokwe and taken back to Owerri.
“If verified, this development raises serious concerns about obstruction of justice, interference with police investigation, and possible destruction or concealment of evidence,” the petition stated. “Such actions, if established, could significantly compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation and reinforce patterns of impunity previously associated with the suspect.”
RULAAC pointed to Onyekaozuru’s history, including a prior arrest by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base) of the Imo State Police Command, from which he allegedly escaped accountability due to possible political interference and compromised investigations.
The advocacy group warned that without decisive intervention from Force Headquarters, the suspect could once again walk free, further eroding public trust in the police and the rule of law.
“This case highlights a troubling pattern: the potential infiltration of political office by individuals alleged to be linked with serious criminal activity,” the petition noted. “The Nigeria Police Force cannot afford a repeat of the apparent cover-ups and investigative lapses that previously enabled the suspect to evade accountability.”
To prevent any compromise, RULAAC made 14 specific demands, including: “Placing the investigation under direct supervisory oversight from Force Headquarters; Immediate collaboration between Lagos and Imo State Police Commands; securing the suspect’s residence to prevent further tampering; interrogating Mrs. Chidinma Igbokwe and Mr. Vitus Igbokwe; recovering any removed items; conducting an independent review of all previous cases involving the suspect in Imo State; and prosecuting the suspect if evidence is established, while holding any complicit officers accountable.
Nwanguma stressed that the credibility of the Nigeria Police Force now hangs in the balance.
“The credibility of the Nigeria Police Force depends on the consistent and impartial enforcement of the law, regardless of status,” he said. “This case presents a critical opportunity to reinforce public confidence in policing, accountability, and the rule of law.”