Police probe deepens as RULAAC flags suspected evidence interference in Igbokwe investigation

Stanley Ihedigbo

Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has sounded the alarm over what it describes as credible indications of interference in the ongoing investigation of Mr. Igbokwe Prince Matthew Onyekaozuru, a serving Vice Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area.

According to the Executive Director, RULAAC, Com. Okechukwu Nwanguma, Mr. Igbokwe, is currently in the custody of the Lagos State Police Command over allegations bordering on car theft and related offences.

In an urgent update addressed to the Inspector-General of Police and dated April 10, 2026, the advocacy group alleged that there may have been deliberate attempts to tamper with evidence linked to the case.

According to RULAAC, information at its disposal suggests that the suspect’s residence in Onicha Ezinihitte Mbaise may have been accessed and searched by close relatives in anticipation of a possible police operation.

The group specifically alleged that on April 9, 2026, the suspect’s wife, Mrs. Chidinma Igbokwe, alongside his elder brother, Mr. Vitus Igbokwe, reportedly travelled from Owerri to the residence and gained access to the premises between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

During the visit, they were said to have conducted a thorough search of the house and removed items believed to be potentially relevant to the ongoing police investigation.

RULAAC further claimed that the individuals were seen leaving the premises with the items in a red vehicle, which was allegedly driven back to Owerri by Mr. Vitus Igbokwe.

The organisation warned that if the allegations are confirmed, such actions could amount to obstruction of justice, interference with police processes, and possible destruction or concealment of critical evidence.

It stressed that these developments pose a serious risk to the integrity and credibility of the investigation, particularly given the public office held by the suspect.

In response, RULAAC called on the Nigeria Police Force to take immediate steps to safeguard the investigation. It urged authorities to secure the suspect’s residence in Imo State to prevent further tampering or loss of evidence.

The group also advocated for stronger inter-agency collaboration, recommending coordinated efforts between the Imo State and Lagos State Police Commands to ensure a seamless and comprehensive probe across jurisdictions.

Additionally, RULAAC called for the invitation and interrogation of Mrs. Chidinma Igbokwe and Mr. Vitus Igbokwe to determine the nature of the items allegedly removed and their relevance to the case.

It further urged the police to recover and preserve any materials that could aid the investigation, while emphasising the need for strict adherence to due process and transparency.

RULAAC reiterated its earlier concerns about the possibility of compromised investigations in cases involving politically exposed persons, warning against what it described as a pattern of “repeat impunity.”

The organisation noted that the credibility of the Nigeria Police Force and public trust in the justice system would largely depend on how the matter is handled.

It also pointed out that beyond the ongoing probe in Lagos State, there are reports of prior arrests and unresolved allegations involving the suspect in Imo State, underscoring the need for a thorough and unbiased investigation.

RULAAC expressed confidence that the Inspector-General of Police would treat the matter with the urgency it deserves and ensure that justice is neither obstructed nor undermined.

The case continues to attract public attention as stakeholders call for accountability, transparency, and the rule of law to prevail.