The family of the late Miss Chiamaka Vivian Chilaka, a 23-year-old final year student of College of Nursing Sciences, Alor, Anambra State, have called for a fresh and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Reports have it that Chiamaka was found dead in her house in Alor, on June 14, 2026 and the family is worried about the investigation as they are demanding a transparent investigation that will expose the circumstances leading to her death and ensure that the culprits are brought to book, Daily Independent reports.
The family made the demand at a press briefing in Port Harcourt through its legal counsel, Euphemia Ifeyinwa Eleonu, who specifically called for the withdrawal of the police officer handling the case at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, SuPol Nwaije Francis, alleging that he had shown bias in the handling of the matter.
The family had written to the police as early as July 21 to complain to the release on bail of the prime suspect and sought his prosecution but said that the letter was not acted upon, Eleonu said.
“We want a transparent and independent investigation,” she stated. SuPol Nwaije Francis of SCID Awka who is the IPO handling this case has to step aside, he has exhibited enough bias in the case.
“As early as 21st July, we wrote to the police protesting the bail of the prime suspect and demanding his prosecution but that letter was not attended to,” he said.
She said the police investigator also told her that the police knew who they felt was responsible for Chiamaka’s death, an action she said was unacceptable before the conclusion of investigation and ruling by a competent court.
Actually it was the same IPO that broke the word to me that they have seen the person that killed Chiamaka. Police responsibility ends at investigation and not to convict or to say who killed or not killed. I don’t know how the cops came to see who they thought killed the girl. “Right now everyone’s a suspect,” she continued. Get Premium News
Eleonu further requested for the disbandment of the whole investigating team led by CSP Ayorinde David, the immediate senior officer in charge of IPO and the homicide department of SCID Awka to enable a fresh probe.
We are urging the IPO to recuse himself from this situation and the entire team; CSP Ayorinde David, the IPO’s immediate senior officer in charge and all of Homicide department, SCID Awka. “Let us look at this again,” she suggested.
“The family is not after revenge, but justice for the deceased,” she said, imploring the police to undertake a fair and impartial inquiry.
“It is worthy to note that since this incident, the Commissioner of Police or the Deputy Commissioner of Police that is in charge of the State CID, homicide section, has not had one-on-one briefing with the family. “That’s weird,” Elepnu said.
The lawyer further said that the family of the principal suspect who was released had been discussing with the community leaders, including the Igwe and President-General of Alor community, in respect of the situation.
She said the IPO had suggested that the President-General of Alor community was funding the case, adding such comment was callous considering the dead was an orphan.
Eleonu asked the Inspector-General of Police to direct the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State to order the withdrawal of the IPO and the dissolution of the investigative team.
She also urged the rearrest of the prime suspect, known as Chiamaka’s landlord, Mr Ogochukwu Ugoeze, till the court decides the matter.
“Also, we are asking that the prime suspect who is her landlord who was exonerated, Mr Ogochukwu Ugoeze be re-arrested pending the determination from court,” she added.
The deceased’s aunt, Blessing Uche James, also told the News Agency of Nigeria that Chiamaka had gone to Alor to study nursing before the family got the news of her death on June 14. Premium News Access
“She went to Alor to study nursing, we only heard the sad news on June 14,” she added, adding “I just want justice.” I have no one. I am the only one who is taking care of her. She is orphan.”
Chiamaka’s immediate elder brother, Ikenna Chilaka, described her death as an alleged murder and asked to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu to intervene in the situation.
“My sister who died was supposedly murdered on the 14th June 2026. He stated, “I call on the Inspector-General of Police to come to our aid and order a proper investigation.
He also demanded the re-arrest of the principal suspect and other suspects, saying they must remain in police custody until the court confirms their responsibility or otherwise.
“I am not pleased with the way the investigation has been progressing. “We want justice,” stated Chilaka
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