The family of the late Chiamaka Chilaka, a student of the College of Nursing Sciences, Alor, Anambra State, are on their knees before the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu.
Their plea is to not let the death of their daughter to be in vain, but to instead, order a fresh investigation in a death that they smell foul play.
The family made the appeal in Port Harcourt on Wednesday at a press conference addressed by their legal representative, Euphemia Eleonu.
According to the family, there is more to the death of the lady at a compound last June 14, 2026 than meets the eye, as they found questionable, the release from detention of one Ogochukwu Ugoeze, earlier considered a prime suspect in the case.
Alleging bias and compromise on the part of the investigating police officer, Supol Nwaije Francis of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, and his immediate superior, CSP Ayorinde David, who is in charge of the Homicide Section of the SCID, the family pleaded:
“In the interest of justice and to preserve the integrity of the investigation, we respectfully request that the following steps be taken:
- That in reference to the letter dated July 21, 2026, to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, and duly acknowledged on July 27, 2026, the Investigating Police Officer, Supol Francis, based on shown bias and interest in the matter in favour of the suspect, Mr Ogochukwu Ugoeze, should recuse himself and the case be reassigned to another IPO/team.”
- That the police give the deceased’s immediate family a briefing on the status of the investigation, subject to legitimate investigative confidentiality.
- For the authorities to preserve all physical, forensic, documentary and electronic evidence relating to Chilaka’s death in accordance with proper chain-of-custody procedures.
“Ultimately, the question whether any person is criminally responsible for Chiamaka’s death should be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction on admissible evidence and in accordance with the Constitution and not by media trial or administrative body”, Eleonu stated
READ ALSO: From Crucifixion Mass To Drainage Canal: Nursing Student’s Tragic Journey
READ ALSO: ‘How Police Arrested Me Without Knowing I Was The Commissioner Of Police’
“.. we respectfully urge the Nigeria Police Force, the Anambra State Government, the relevant prosecutorial authorities and the media to approach this matter with restraint, utmost professionalism and humanity.
“We have 99 per cent confidence in the IG to direct that the Police Commissioner of Anambra State Command directs that the IPO recuse himself and disband the entire team investigating this case,” she said.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
He has worked with the Daily Times, Daily Independent, Financial Standard and Business Television to mention some.
His ongoing Corporate Communications Master Class training series equips learners with credible hands-on skills for effective Media Relations, Public Communications & Corporate Affairs amongst others.
He can be contacted via 09165809519 or 08180335778.