The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu,  to order an independent investigation into the arrest of Igbokwe Prince Matthew Onyekaozuru for alleged car snatching and vandalisation.
 
The suspect, who is the current Vice Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Council of Imo State, was arrested in Lagos State.
 
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, outlined recent operational successes, including arrests linked to vehicle theft syndicates and vandalisation.

But in a letter to the IGP office, Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, stated that the group received credible but deeply troubling information regarding the arrest of Onyekaozuru by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command.
 
He, therefore, called on the IGP to ensure that the ongoing investigation is conducted professionally, impartially, and without interference.
 
RULAAC stated that information available to it indicates that the suspect was apprehended in connection with alleged offences, including car snatching and vehicle vandalisation within the Festac axis of Lagos State and was reportedly paraded by operatives, including a tactical unit operating around the Ladipo Market area.
 
RULAAC, however, expressed concern by reports that the suspect had allegedly 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.
 
It also expressed concerns of disturbing allegations that in previous instances, the suspect escaped accountability despite arrest, raising critical questions about possible political interference, compromise of investigations, and systemic failure of 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.

According to him, this case highlights a troubling pattern: the potential infiltration of political office by individuals alleged to be linked with serious criminal activity, while such developments undermine public trust and pose risks to democratic governance and the rule of law.
 
Consequently, RULAAC called on the IGP to ensure that the ongoing investigation in Lagos State is conducted professionally, impartially, and without interference.
 
It also demanded an independent review of previous cases involving the suspect in Imo State, probe of any officer who may have facilitated prior evasion of justice, guarantee transparency and public accountability in the handling of the current case, as well as ensure 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 (NPF) depends on the consistent and impartial enforcement of the law, regardless of status, stressing that the case presents an opportunity to reinforce public confidence in policing and accountability.