Anambra Chiamaka Chilaka Police Investigation Appeal: Family Seeks IGP Probe

• The family of Chiamaka Chilaka, a nursing student who died on June 14, 2026, has appealed to Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu for a fresh investigation into her death.
• They allege foul play and express dissatisfaction with the Anambra State Police Command's initial probe, particularly the release of prime suspect Ogochukwu Ugoeze.
• The family's legal representative, Euphemia Eleonu, has accused Investigating Police Officer Supol Nwaije Francis and his superior, CSP Ayorinde David, of bias and compromise, requesting their recusal.
• Eleonu also called for Ugoeze's rearrest, proper evidence preservation, and stressed that criminal responsibility should be determined solely by a competent court.
• The family holds 99% confidence that the Inspector-General of Police will intervene to ensure a thorough and unbiased inquiry.

Ultimately, the question of criminal responsibility for Chiamaka's death, according to her legal representative, must be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction based on admissible evidence, not through administrative bodies or media trials.

The family of Chiamaka Chilaka, a nursing student from the College of Nursing Sciences, Alor, Anambra State, has formally appealed to Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, requesting a new investigation into her death. Chilaka reportedly died on June 14, 2026, under circumstances that her family believes point to foul play and potential murder within a compound where she resided in Anambra State.

Speaking at a press conference held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Euphemia Eleonu, the family's legal representative, voiced profound dissatisfaction with how the Anambra State Police Command has handled the initial probe. A central point of contention for the family is the premature release of Ogochukwu Ugoeze, identified as a prime suspect in the case, while the investigation remained incomplete. This development has fueled the family's concerns regarding the integrity of the ongoing police inquiry.

Further deepening their distrust in the current process, the family has leveled serious allegations of bias and compromise against specific officers involved in the Anambra Chiamaka Chilaka police investigation. These accusations target Supol Nwaije Francis, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka, and his immediate superior, CSP Ayorinde David, who heads the Homicide Section of the SCID. It is important to note that these allegations have not been independently verified.

In light of these concerns, Eleonu formally requested the recusal of both Supol Francis and CSP David from the case, advocating for the constitution of a new, unbiased investigation team. This demand was articulated in a letter dated July 21, 2026, addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, which was officially acknowledged on July 27, 2026. The family also expressed dismay over the lack of communication from the police regarding the investigation's progress since Chilaka's death, further highlighting perceived procedural lapses.

Eleonu underscored the critical importance of adhering to proper legal procedures, asserting that the determination of criminal responsibility for Chiamaka's death should ultimately rest with a competent court of law, based solely on admissible evidence. She explicitly warned against relying on administrative bodies or 'media trials' to ascertain guilt or innocence, emphasizing the constitutional framework for justice. This stance highlights a broader concern about criminal investigation police bias in Nigeria and the need for robust legal oversight.

The Chilaka family, still reeling from a devastating loss, seeks definitive answers regarding the circumstances of Chiamaka's death. They want to understand precisely what transpired, how she died, who is responsible, and whether every reasonable investigative avenue has been thoroughly pursued. Chiamaka's elder brother, Ikenna Chilaka, conveyed the family's profound devastation since her passing.

Eleonu appealed to all relevant stakeholders—the Nigeria Police Force, the Anambra State Government, prosecutorial authorities, and the media—to approach this sensitive matter with restraint, utmost professionalism, and humanity. She expressed strong confidence, stating a '99 per cent' belief, that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu will intervene. The family anticipates the IG will direct the Anambra State Commissioner of Police to ensure the recusal of the current IPO and the disbandment of the entire team presently investigating the case, paving the way for a truly impartial and comprehensive inquiry into the Anambra Chiamaka Chilaka police investigation appeal.

This development serves as a critical reminder for lawyers advising on criminal matters to monitor police investigation integrity and potential for bias, particularly in high-profile cases, and highlights the mechanisms for challenging police conduct, such as demanding officer recusal and proper evidence preservation.

Source: Original reporting via local press