Alleging foul play, the family of the late Chiamaka Chilaka, a student at the College of Nursing Sciences in Alor, Anambra State, has petitioned Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu to request a new inquiry into her death.
According to reports, Chilaka passed away on June 14, 2026, in what her family believes may have been a murder at the Anambra State complex where she lived.
Euphemia Eleonu, the family’s attorney, voiced her displeasure with the Anambra State Police Command’s probe during a press conference in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Eleonu specifically criticized Ogochukwu Ugoeze, a key suspect in the case, for being released from custody while the inquiry was still ongoing.
Additionally, the family accused the investigating police officer, Supol Nwaije Francis of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, and his immediate boss, CSP Ayorinde David, who oversees the SCID’s Homicide Section, of bias and compromise.
The claims have not been independently confirmed.
The family also voiced worry that since Chilaka’s death, the police had not contacted them to update them on the investigation’s status.
Eleonu demanded the formation of a new investigation team and the recusal of the two policemen from the case.
“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, should recuse himself and the case be reassigned to another IPO/team due to demonstrated bias and interest in the matter in favor of the suspect, Mr. Ogochukwu Ugoeze.”
Subject to appropriate investigative secrecy, the attorney also requested that the police brief the deceased’s close relatives on the investigation’s progress.
She also asked the authorities to follow the correct chain-of-custody protocols while preserving any physical, forensic, documentary, and electronic evidence pertaining to Chilaka’s death.
Eleonu emphasized that a competent judge should eventually decide criminal guilt based on available evidence.
“In the end, a court of competent jurisdiction should decide whether anyone is criminally responsible for Chiamaka’s death based on admissible evidence and in accordance with the Constitution, not by media trial or administrative body,” she stated.
In addition, she demanded that Ugoeze be taken into custody again, claiming that suspects should not be considered guilty or innocent outside of the legal system.
According to the attorney, the family had endured a terrible loss and was entitled to information regarding Chilaka’s death.
According to Eleonu, the family wanted to know what happened to their daughter, how she passed away, who was at fault, and if all reasonable avenues of inquiry had been explored.
“Therefore, we humbly request that the Nigeria Police Force, the Anambra State Government, the pertinent prosecutorial authorities, and the media handle this issue with the utmost professionalism, humanity, and restraint,” she stated.
Eleonu was certain that the Inspector-General of Police would step in and oversee a new inquiry.
“We have 99 percent confidence in the IG to order the Anambra State Command Police Commissioner to order the IPO to recuse himself and dissolve the entire team looking into this case,” she stated.
Ikenna Chilaka, the deceased’s older brother, said the family has been saddened since her passing and asked the IGP to step in and assist them in obtaining justice.
“I call on the Inspector General of Police to come to our aid, to help us find justice for my sister,” he declared. Every suspect ought to be taken into custody again. All suspects ought to be detained.
The only body with the power to clear or release someone is the court. The way the investigation has been proceeding has not pleased me.
