Group Demands Independent Probe of Death Linked to Police Raid in Awka
The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) of the Nigeria Police Force over the alleged unlawful police raid on January 21, 2026 in Awka, Anambra State, which has been linked to the tragic death of one Madam Grace Nwijeamaka Nweke.
In the petition by the CEHRAWS Executive Director, Chuka Peter Okoye, on behalf of the deceased’s family, the group alleged that the operation was led by a Police Inspector from Zone 13, Ukpo.
It further noted that the late Madam Grace Nweke, who was a hypertensive patient, suffered severe shock and emotional trauma following the incident, and passed away on January 31, 2026.
The CEHRAWS therefore demands as follows:
- An independent and transparent investigation outside the immediate Zone 13 command structure;
- Immediate preservation of all operational logs, communication records, and deployment authorisations relating to the raid;
- A Coroner’s Inquest into the cause of death of Madam Grace Nweke;
- Temporary redeployment of any officers directly implicated, pending investigation;
- Prosecution of any individual found culpable in accordance with the law.
It noted that "Where state action is alleged to have contributed to a citizen’s death, the obligation to investigate becomes heightened under both domestic law and international human rights standards binding on Nigeria."
The organisation vowed to pursue all lawful remedies — including engagement with the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and appropriate judicial proceedings — should this matter fail to receive urgent, transparent, and credible attention.