The family of Chiamaka Chilaka, a nursing student in Anambra State, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to order a fresh investigation into her death, alleging that the circumstances surrounding it require further scrutiny.
Chilaka, who was a student of the College of Nursing Sciences, Alor, reportedly died on June 14, 2026, at a compound where she lived in the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, the family’s lawyer, Euphemia Eleonu, said the relatives were dissatisfied with the way the Anambra State Police Command had handled the investigation.
Eleonu raised concerns over the release of Ogochukwu Ugoeze, described by the family as a prime suspect, while the investigation was allegedly still ongoing.
She also accused the investigating officer, Supol Nwaije Francis of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, and his superior, CSP Ayorinde David, who heads the homicide section, of showing bias in the handling of the case.
The allegations against the officers have not been independently verified.
The lawyer called for both officers to step aside from the investigation and for a new team to take over the case. She also asked the police to brief the deceased’s family on the progress of the investigation, while respecting legitimate investigative confidentiality.
Eleonu further urged the authorities to protect all physical, forensic, documentary and electronic evidence connected to Chilaka’s death.
She stressed that no individual should be considered guilty or innocent outside the judicial process, saying any criminal responsibility must ultimately be established by a competent court based on admissible evidence.
The lawyer also appealed for Ugoeze to be rearrested as part of the family’s demand for a more thorough investigation.
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According to Eleonu, the family wants clear answers about what happened to Chilaka, the circumstances of her death, who may have been responsible and whether all reasonable investigative avenues have been explored.
Chilaka’s elder brother, Ikenna, also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to intervene, saying the family had been deeply affected by her death and was dissatisfied with the progress of the investigation.
He called for all relevant suspects to be properly investigated and urged the police to ensure that the family gets justice for their deceased relative.
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