Imo: LG Council Suspend Vice Chairman For Alleged Car Theft

Following allegations that the vice chairman of Ezinihite Mbaise local government council, of Imo State, Prince Mattew Igbokwe was involved in car robbery, the legislative council has slammed him with indefinite suspension.

The Lagos State Police Command had last week confirmed that Igbokwe was in their custody following alleged links to a car armed robbery syndicate and was undergoing investigation.

The Ezinihitte Mbaise legislative council on Monday announced the indefinite suspension of Igbokwe after it’s sitting.

This is even as the Imo State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr FCC Jones , confirmed the suspension.

The council suspended the local government vice chairman indefinitely after they had earlier served him a seven-day impeachment notice.

The council announced the suspension on Monday, April 13th, 2026 saying it bordered on the allegations of misconduct, which was 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.

Further, Igbokwe was alleged to had brought shame and ridicule to the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma and the executive chairman of Ezinihite Mbaise LGA, Hon. Ambrose Nwachukwu, and the good people of Imo State through “odious activities unbecoming of a person occupying such an exalted office.”

The suspension motion was moved by the Chief Whip, Hon. Ajaa Echezolachi (representing Onicha Ward IV), supported by Deputy Leader Hon. Steven Echeta (Eziudo Ward 8), and seconded by Majority Leader Hon. Vincent Kelechi Egwurugwu (Amumara Ward 1) and was unanimously adopted by all members present.

Leader of the council, Rt. Hon. Mbechi Benson, said the action was necessary to protect the image of Ezinihite Mbaise people and the 3R Government of Governor Uzodimma.

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

The Imo APC Publicity Secretary, Dr Jones said, “Yes, the information is correct. The Vice-chairman is under suspension by the Councillors”.

Last Tuesday, the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, 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.

Already, a non governmental organization, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, and demanded a thorough and independent investigation into the case involving the elected vice chairman, Prince Igbokwe.