The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has criticised the Traditional Ruler of Ihitteaforukwu, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, HRM Eze Dr. Okwudiri Divine Nwandu (Akaraka III), for commending the same police operatives who allegedly shot an unarmed and innocent civilian, Mr. Kenneth Nnamdi Anyanwu.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC described the monarch’s comment as deeply contradictory and an apparent attempt to whitewash serious human rights abuses.
A viral video shows the Traditional Ruler seated beside Mr. Anyanwu in his hospital bed. In the clip, the monarch, who said he was invited by the police, praised the operatives for acting “professionally” during the April 13, 2026 operation that left Anyanwu with life-threatening gunshot injuries.
RULAAC described the commendation as highly problematic, noting that the monarch simultaneously confirmed Mr. Anyanwu’s innocence. The victim is a Lagos-based resident who had returned to the community only two days before the incident.
The group argued that it is fundamentally contradictory to describe as “professional” an operation in which an innocent, unarmed civilian was shot and seriously wounded.
“Professional policing demands adherence to the law, proportionality in the use of force, and respect for human rights — not post-incident damage control,” the statement said.
The rights group highlighted several glaring omissions in the video. The Traditional Ruler failed to address the conduct of a police officer identified as Chinedu Iwueke, who allegedly shot Mr. Anyanwu and later took ₦47,000 from him.
He also made no mention of the victim’s critical condition, including reports of internal bleeding and inadequate medical care. Similarly, the monarch remained silent on the fate of Mr. Uchechukwu Maduakolam, who was arrested during the same operation and whose whereabouts remain unknown.
RULAAC further raised concerns over allegations linking members of the royal establishment and the controversial “Royal Guards” to the planning and execution of the operation.
The group expressed particular worry about the alleged involvement of specific palace officials — Mr. Emeka Emetubelem (Secretary to the Eze), Mr. Ikechukwu Mbakwe (Chief of Staff), and Mr. Onyemuche Ochor (Chief Security Officer of the “Royal Guards”) — in coordinating the incident.
RULAAC described the “Royal Guards” as an unregulated security outfit allegedly used for intimidation and coercion within the community.
According to the group, the optics of the hospital visit appear designed more to manage public perception than to deliver justice.
“A hospital bedside appearance cannot substitute for accountability, especially where there are credible allegations of abuse of power, unlawful use of force, and possible extrajudicial actions,” the statement added.
RULAAC reiterated its earlier demands, calling for: “A thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the April 13, 2026 operation, including all police personnel involved.
“Immediate identification, suspension, and prosecution of the officer who allegedly shot and robbed Mr. Anyanwu.
“Urgent and adequate medical care for Mr. Anyanwu, including transfer to a well-equipped facility with full access for his family and independent doctors.
“Immediate disclosure of Mr. Uchechukwu Maduakolam’s whereabouts and condition.
“Investigation into the role of the Traditional Ruler’s aides and the “Royal Guards,” with steps to dismantle any unlawful armed group operating in the community.
“Protection for the victim and witnesses from any form of intimidation or reprisal.”
The group urged the Traditional Ruler to move beyond symbolic gestures and provide concrete assurances of Mr. Anyanwu’s safety while fully cooperating with an independent probe.
“Justice must not be managed through narratives or appearances. It must be pursued through truth, accountability, and respect for the rule of law,” RULAAC concluded.