A rights group, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Center (RULAAC), has expressed worry over what it called ‘conflicting comments’ by the Traditional Ruler of Ihitteaforukwu in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Okwudiri Nwandu, during his visit to a victim of a recent police shooting, Mr. Kenneth Nnamdi Anyanwu.
According to the police account, Anyanwu and another man, Uchechukwu Maduakolam, were allegedly shot during a gun duel on the 13th of April, 2026, by a police officer, identified as Chinedu Iwueke.
The police say the victims were members of an outlawed group, an account contradicted by many eyewitness accounts.
A viral video trending recently about the visit showed the monarch, Eze Nwandu, seated beside Anyanwu in his hospital bed, where he disclosed that he had been invited by the police.
In the video, the monarch commended the operatives involved in the incident for acting professionally.
The monarch, however, confirmed that Anyanwu, a Lagos-based resident who had returned to the community shortly before the incident, was innocent.
In an exclusive chat with The News Chronicle correspondent, the Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, described the monarch’s commendation of the police as contradictory, arguing that an operation which left an unarmed civilian with life-threatening injuries could not be deemed professional.
He argued that professional policing is measured by adherence to the law, proportionality in the use of force, and respect for human rights, not by attempts in the aftermath to manage consequences.
The group further criticized the video for failing to address key issues surrounding the incident.
“These include the identity and actions of the police officer alleged to have shot Anyanwu, and claims that the officer took ₦47,000 from the victim after the shooting.
“Also of serious concern to us is the victim’s reported critical condition, including allegations of internal bleeding and inadequate medical care, as well as the unknown whereabouts of the second individual, Mr. Maduakolam, who was reportedly arrested during the same operation,” he said.
Nwanguma cited allegations linking members of the traditional ruler’s palace, including aides and individuals described as ‘Royal Guards,’ to the planning and execution of the operation, noting that the claims point to the possible existence of an unregulated security structure within the community.
The RULAAC boss welcomed the monarch’s hospital visit, but insisted that it must not overshadow the need for accountability and justice, especially in light of allegations of abuse of power and unlawful use of force.
The group called for a thorough and independent investigation into the April 13 incident, including the immediate identification, suspension, and prosecution of the officer accused of shooting and robbing the victim.
It also demanded urgent medical attention for Anyanwu, including transfer to a properly equipped facility, and called for clarity on the status of Maduakolam.
RULAAC further urged authorities to investigate the alleged involvement of the monarch’s aides and dismantle any unlawful armed groups operating in the area, while stressing the need to protect the victim and witnesses from intimidation or reprisals.
