Alleged theft: Imo LG Legislative Council Suspends Vice Chairman

The legislative council of Ezinihite Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State has suspended the vice chairman of the council, Matthew Igbokwe, indefinitely over alleged involvement in robbery in Lagos.

Igbokwe was arrested last week by the Lagos State Police Command over alleged membership of a car-stealing syndicate.

The council suspended Igbokwe after serving him a seven-day impeachment notice.

Lagos Police spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, had said the LG vice chairman was undergoing investigation for involvement in robbery and other criminal activities.

The Imo State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress, Dr FCC Jones, confirmed the suspension.

He said, “Yes, the information is correct. The vice chairman is under suspension by the councillors.”

The council announced the suspension on Monday, April 13th, 2026, following the allegations of “misconduct, which include: persistent absenteeism from official duties, unauthorised travels outside Imo State without permission from the council, and alleged involvement in robbery and other criminal activities, as evidenced by his reported arrest and detention by the Lagos State Police Command.”

The council blamed Igbokwe for bringing shame and ridicule to the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Chairman of Ezinihite Mbaise LGA, Ambrose Nwachukwu, and the good people of the state.

The suspension motion was moved by the Chief Whip, Ajaa Echezolachi (representing Onicha Ward IV), supported by Deputy Leader, Steven Echeta (Eziudo Ward 8) and was unanimously adopted by all members present.

Leader of the council, Mbechi Benson, said the action was necessary to protect the image of the Ezinihite Mbaise people and the Uzodimma government.

She said the council acted in line with the Imo State Local Government Administration Law No. 6 of 2022 (as amended).

The Lagos police command had last week Tuesday announced the dismantling of a car theft syndicate responsible for stealing and dismantling vehicles for resale in Lagos and confirmed that Igbokwe was one of those arrested.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and demanded a thorough and independent investigation into the case involving Igbokwe.