Police Abuse of Power Claims Nigerian Mother's Life in Abia State
A Nigerian mother dies from depression following the unlawful detention of her husband and three daughters by Abia State Police, highlighting urgent need for police reform and accountability.
Family home in Alaukwu Village, Osisioma Ngwa, where police conducted controversial midnight raid
In a tragic development highlighting the urgent need for police reform in Nigeria, Mrs. Chioma Chikadibia has died following months of severe depression caused by the continued detention of her husband and three daughters by the Abia State Police Command.
Family Tragedy Unfolds in Osisioma Ngwa
The victim's surviving daughter, Chikiezie Ifeoma Lilian, confirmed that her mother passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, after battling depression and deteriorating health. The family's ordeal began when police conducted a midnight raid on their home in Alaukwu Village on April 12, 2025.
Pattern of Police Misconduct
The detained family members include 63-year-old shoemaker Mr. Chikadibia Sunday and his daughters Glory, Ngozi, and Ogechi. In a manner reminiscent of recent cases where Nigerian authorities have faced scrutiny over rights violations, armed officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed the family's residence without presenting a warrant.
Systemic Failures in Justice System
The case has exposed serious flaws in Nigeria's justice system, as the family was secretly arraigned and remanded at the Aba Correctional Centre without access to legal representation. This incident occurs at a time when Nigeria claims to be championing justice reforms on the international stage.
"My husband is slimming down daily. Life has not been easy on me coupled with my ill health," Mrs. Chioma had stated in her last interview before her death.
Advocacy Groups Demand Action
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned these arrests as a gross abuse of police power. Their Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, has called for immediate intervention from the Inspector-General of Police and Abia State Commissioner of Police.
Impact on Family
- Ogechi, a final-year student, missed crucial examinations
- Family businesses have been destroyed
- Children's education disrupted
- Severe psychological trauma inflicted on all family members
Tunde Okoro
Nigerian journalist with a Pan-African voice. Covers politics, sovereignty, and social justice across West Africa.