Family Wants Police to Reopen Case of Anambra Nursing Student's Death

The family of Chiamaka Chilaka, a nursing student from the College of Nursing Sciences in Alor, Anambra State, has asked the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to start a new investigation into her death. They suspect foul play in her case.

Chilaka died on June 14, 2026. The family believes her death might have been a murder at the place where she lived in Anambra State.

At a press conference in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Euphemia Eleonu, the family's lawyer, expressed disappointment with how the Anambra State Police handled the investigation.

Eleonu pointed out that a key suspect in the case, Ogochukwu Ugoeze, was released from detention even though the investigation was still ongoing.

The family accused the investigating officer, Supol Nwaije Francis, and his boss, CSP Ayorinde David, of being biased in the investigation. They claimed both were not properly managing the case.

These claims have not been verified by independent sources.

The family also noted that the police had not updated them on the investigation since Chilaka's death.

Eleonu urged that the two officers step aside from the case. She called for a new team to be formed to handle the investigation.

She said, "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."

The lawyer also asked the police to inform the family about the investigation's status, as long as it does not compromise the investigation.

She called on the authorities to keep all evidence related to Chilaka’s death secure and follow proper procedures.

Eleonu emphasized that it is up to a court to decide if someone is responsible for a crime based on solid evidence.

She said, "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."

She also requested that Ugoeze be rearrested, stating that suspects should not be presumed guilty or innocent before a court decision.

The family is heartbroken and wants answers about Chilaka’s death.

Eleonu said they want to know what happened to their daughter, how she died, who is to blame, and if all leads in the investigation were followed.

"For this reason, 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," she said.

Eleonu is hopeful that the Inspector-General of Police will step in and order a new investigation.

She said, "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."

Ikenna Chilaka, Chiamaka’s elder brother, said the family has been in pain since her death. He called on the IGP to help them find justice.

He said, "I call on the Inspector-General of Police to come to our aid, to help us find justice for my sister. All suspects should be re-arrested. Every suspect should be in custody.

The court is the only one that has the authority to exonerate or release anybody. I am not happy with the way the investigation has been going."