EXCLUSIVE: Lagos police re-arrest ex-Imo LG vice chairman over fresh car theft allegation
By Ishaya Ibrahim
For the second time in four months, the Lagos State Police Command has arrested the impeached Vice Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Prince Igbokwe Matthew Onyekaozuru, over alleged car theft and vandalism.
The latest arrest occurred on August 31, 2026, at Oke-Afa, in the Isolo area of Lagos State. He was allegedly arrested while attempting to steal and vandalise a car.
Curiously, he was arrested for a similar offence on April 7, 2026, in the Festac area of the state.
At the time, the Lagos State Police Command said he was undergoing interrogation and investigation. The Legislative Assembly of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area subsequently impeached him following the arrest.
It is unclear what became of the earlier investigation and whether the case was prosecuted before his latest arrest on August 31.
The Lagos State Police spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, had not responded to an inquiry by TheNiche on the status of the previous investigation as of the time of filing this report.
Reacting to the latest arrest, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) said credible information at its disposal indicated that Onyekaozuru was arrested between Saturday night and Sunday morning at a residence in Oke-Afa, Isolo, Lagos.
According to the organisation, the incident involved the alleged vandalisation of vehicles and theft within the premises and was reportedly captured by security cameras.
RULAAC said he was subsequently taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos, where he was reportedly being detained and investigated.
In a statement, RULAAC said: “This latest development is particularly troubling because sometime between April and May 2026, Mr. Onyekaozuru was also reportedly arrested by the Lagos State Police Command over similar allegations involving vehicle theft and vandalisation. Videos subsequently emerged showing his interrogation following detention at the Imo State Police Command in connection with allegations of previous criminal conduct.
“Following the controversy generated by those allegations, Mr. Onyekaozuru was initially suspended from office by the legislative chamber of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area. RULAAC understands that he was subsequently impeached by the legislative chamber, reportedly on grounds that included his alleged serial involvement in criminal activities and persistent absenteeism from official duties.
“RULAAC has contacted the relevant Lagos State Police authorities seeking official confirmation of the latest reported arrest, his current custodial status, the precise allegations under investigation and the status of the case. As of the time of issuing this statement, we have yet to receive official confirmation.
“We therefore emphasise that the allegations against Mr. Onyekaozuru remain allegations which must be established through lawful investigation and, where sufficient evidence exists, prosecution before a competent court.
“Nevertheless, the reported recurrence of allegations of a similar nature raises serious questions that cannot be ignored.
“How did an individual repeatedly implicated in serious criminal allegations emerge as the elected Vice Chairman of a Local Government Area? What kind of political and leadership recruitment process allowed this? What became of the previous police investigations? Why did those investigations apparently not result in prosecution where sufficient evidence existed? And did political influence or other improper intervention play any role in the handling of the previous cases?
“His reported impeachment further raises questions about what was known by the relevant political and governmental authorities about these allegations, when it became known, and what action was taken.
“Public office must never become a shield against criminal accountability. At the same time, allegations of criminal conduct must not be determined through media trial. The appropriate response is an impartial, thorough and transparent investigation, followed by prosecution where the evidence warrants it.
“RULAAC therefore calls on the Inspector-General of Police to direct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the latest allegations and to establish the status and outcome of all previous police investigations reportedly involving Mr. Onyekaozuru.
“Where credible evidence capable of sustaining criminal charges exists, the matter should be placed before the courts without interference, political pressure or preferential treatment. Conversely, if previous investigations found insufficient evidence for prosecution, the police should clarify this.
“The public deserves to know what became of the previous cases and whether any improper intervention obstructed the normal course of justice. Repeated arrest without a clear prosecutorial outcome neither serves justice nor inspires public confidence in law enforcement.”
