Concerns are mounting around a recent arrest within the Festac axis of Amuwo-Odofin, as a civil society organisation has called for an independent investigation into the case.
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has urged the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to order a transparent and impartial probe into the arrest of Igbokwe Prince Matthew Onyekaozuru over alleged car snatching and vandalization.
The suspect, who currently serves as Vice Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area in Imo State, was reportedly arrested in Lagos in connection with offences said to have occurred within the Festac area.
The Lagos State Police Command had earlier highlighted the arrest as part of its recent clampdown on vehicle theft syndicates and vandalisation cases across the state.
However, in a formal petition, RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the organisation received troubling reports regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrest and handling of the case.
According to the group, the suspect was allegedly apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command and paraded by a tactical unit operating around the Ladipo Market axis.
RULAAC also raised concerns over claims that the suspect had previously been linked to serious crimes in Imo State, including alleged involvement in violent offences and a prior arrest by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
The organisation noted that there are disturbing suggestions that the suspect may have evaded justice in the past, raising questions about possible political interference and lapses in accountability.
Given the gravity of the allegations, RULAAC warned that without strict oversight, there is a risk that the current investigation could be compromised.
The group has therefore called for a fully independent and transparent investigation, review of past cases involving the suspect, accountability for any officials found to have aided previous lapses and Prosecution if sufficient evidence is established
For residents within Festac and the wider Amuwo-Odofin area, the case has added to ongoing conversations around security, accountability, and trust in law enforcement.
RULAAC maintained that how the case is handled will serve as a critical test of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and the rule of law regardless of status or political position.
Comments
comments