Shooting after arrest: RULAAC petitions IGP over alleged police collusion with illegal vigilante group in Imo
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has escalated a damning petition to the Inspector-General of Police, accusing operatives of the Imo State Police Command of colluding with a private vigilante outfit in the arrest, shooting, and possible enforced disappearance of two men from Ihitteaforukwu community.
In the petition addressed to the Imo State Commissioner of Police, RULAAC detailed the case of Mr. Uchechukwu Maduakolam and Mr. Kenneth Anyanwu, who were allegedly arrested by police working in tandem with members of the self-styled “Royal Guards” vigilante group reportedly set up by Eze Okwudiri Divine Nwandu.
According to RULAAC, credible community sources and video evidence link the operation to key aides of the traditional ruler, including Mr. Emeka Emetubelem (Secretary to the Eze), Mr. Ikechukwu Mbakwe (Chief of Staff), and Mr. Onyemuche Ochor (Chief Security Officer of the Royal Guards), who are alleged to have coordinated the raid targeting perceived political opponents.
Mr. Kenneth Anyanwu was reportedly shot during or after the arrest and remains in critical condition, requiring urgent medical intervention estimated at ₦15 million. His personal belongings, including ₦47,000 in cash, were allegedly stolen at the time of arrest. Disturbing reports also suggest a payment was made to his family in what RULAAC described as a possible attempt to buy silence.
The whereabouts of Mr. Uchechukwu Maduakolam, who was also shot after arrest according to earlier accounts, remain unknown, sparking fears of enforced disappearance.
In a strongly worded statement, RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, declared: “The Nigeria Police Force must not allow its institutions to be used as instruments for settling personal, political, or communal scores. Any such conduct erodes public trust, undermines the rule of law, and emboldens impunity.”
The petition further warned that the activities of the “Royal Guards” fall outside any lawful framework for community policing and constitute a pattern of intimidation, harassment, and extrajudicial violence against innocent citizens.
RULAAC made seven urgent demands, including:
1. Immediate disclosure of Mr. Uchechukwu Maduakolam’s whereabouts with proof that he is alive and receiving medical care.
2. Urgent, independent medical treatment for Mr. Kenneth Anyanwu.
3. A transparent, independent investigation into the arrest, shooting, alleged torture, theft of belongings, and collusion between police and the vigilante group.
4. Suspension of all implicated police officers and actors pending investigation.
5. Protection for victims, witnesses, and their families from reprisals.
6. Immediate prohibition and probe of the “Royal Guards.”
7. Prompt arraignment of anyone with credible evidence of wrongdoing in a competent court.
RULAAC vowed to monitor the situation closely and pursue all lawful avenues for justice. “Given the urgency and gravity of these allegations, we call on the Inspector-General of Police to order immediate intervention, ensure accountability at all levels, and restore public confidence in law enforcement in Imo State.”
