RULAAC Demands Answers From Police Over Re-Arrest Of Impeached Imo Ex-LG Vice Chairman Over Same Allegations In Lagos | Sahara Reporters

The group described the latest arrest as disturbing because it came only about four months after Onyekaozuru was previously arrested by the same Lagos State Police Command over allegations involving vehicle theft and vandalism.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has demanded answers from the Nigeria Police Force over the reported re-arrest of Mr Igbokwe Onyekaozuru, the impeached former Vice Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, over allegations of vehicle theft and vandalism.

RULAAC, in a statement by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said Onyekaozuru was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command on Monday, August 31, 2026, following an incident said to have occurred between Saturday night and Sunday morning at a residence in Oke-Afa, Isolo, Lagos.

The group described the latest arrest as disturbing because it came only about four months after Onyekaozuru was previously arrested by the same Lagos State Police Command over allegations involving vehicle theft and vandalism.

According to RULAAC, Onyekaozuru was subsequently taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba.

The group said it had received information about the latest incident alongside CCTV footage purportedly showing the suspect during the alleged incident at the premises.

RULAAC therefore urged the Lagos State Police Command to clarify whether Onyekaozuru was arrested, the offence being investigated and the current status of the investigation.

“Equally troubling is the silence of the Lagos State Police authorities despite repeated inquiries seeking to verify the latest reported arrest and detention,” Nwanguma said.

He said the latest allegation could not be considered in isolation, noting that it would be the third time Onyekaozuru has been arrested or implicated over allegations of similar criminal conduct.

According to RULAAC, an earlier publicly reported incident occurred in Imo State, where a video emerged showing Onyekaozuru being interrogated by police officers.

RULAAC said he was also arrested around April or May 2026 by the Lagos State Police Command over allegations involving vehicle theft and vandalism.

The group said allegations surrounding his purported repeated involvement in criminal activities, alongside alleged absenteeism from official duties, formed part of the circumstances surrounding his suspension and subsequent impeachment by the legislative chamber of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area.

However, Nwanguma said fundamental questions surrounding the previous police cases remained unanswered.

“What happened to the previous investigations?” Nwanguma asked. “How far did the Lagos State Police Command investigate the allegations following his earlier arrest? What evidence was obtained? How and under what circumstances was he released?

“If there was evidence sufficient to sustain criminal charges, was he charged before a court? If not, why not?”

He added that if previous investigations established that the allegations were unfounded or that available evidence was insufficient for prosecution, the police should equally make that known.

Nwanguma stressed that an arrest did not amount to conviction and that Onyekaozuru remained entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process.

However, he argued that the principle of presumption of innocence should not be used to justify institutional silence.

“When the same politically exposed individual is repeatedly arrested over allegations of similar offences and repeatedly returns to society without any publicly known prosecutorial outcome, legitimate questions arise about how the criminal justice system is functioning,” he said.

RULAAC questioned whether previous cases were properly investigated, whether investigation files were forwarded for legal advice, and whether complainants and witnesses were interviewed.

The group also asked whether physical, documentary or electronic evidence was preserved and examined, whether investigators recommended prosecution and whether anyone interfered with the investigations.

“These are legitimate questions, not conclusions,” Nwanguma said, raising concerns over how a person allegedly repeatedly implicated in serious criminal allegations was able to emerge as the Vice Chairman of a local government area.

“What does this say about political recruitment at the grassroots?” he asked, arguing that political parties serve as important gatekeepers to public office and should scrutinise the character, antecedents and suitability of individuals seeking public responsibility.

Nwanguma, however, said the immediate responsibility for addressing the unanswered questions rested with the police.

“The Lagos State Police Command should break its silence,” he said.

According to him, RULAAC has made inquiries seeking confirmation of the latest reported arrest and detention, but has yet to receive an official clarification.

He said the police could provide basic information without compromising any ongoing investigation.

“The police do not need to disclose evidence in a manner that could compromise an ongoing investigation. But confirming whether a person is in custody, the broad nature of the allegations being investigated and the status of previous publicly reported cases should not ordinarily compromise an investigation,” Nwanguma said.

Nwanguma warned that continued silence could undermine public confidence in the administration of criminal justice.

“The public must not be left with the impression that politically connected persons can be repeatedly arrested for serious alleged offences, disappear from the criminal justice process without explanation and return months later in connection with similar allegations,” he said.

“Neither should anyone be subjected to endless cycles of arrest without prosecution where the police lack sufficient evidence to bring charges. Both possibilities undermine the rule of law.”

RULAAC consequently called on the Inspector-General of Police to intervene and order an impartial review of the latest allegations as well as previous investigations involving Onyekaozuru.

The group said such a review should establish the allegations made, evidence gathered, investigators’ recommendations, whether prosecution was contemplated or initiated, how each case ended and whether there was any improper interference.

Nwanguma maintained that the call was not intended to prejudge Onyekaozuru, stressing that his guilt or innocence could only be determined through the lawful criminal justice process.

“The issue is whether that process has been allowed to work,” he said.

“If a man can be repeatedly arrested over allegations of similar serious crimes without any clear explanation of how the previous cases ended, the question is no longer only about the suspect.

“It becomes a question about the institutions responsible for investigating him. The Nigeria Police Force – and particularly the Lagos State Police Command – owes the public answers.”