A Nigerian woman, Mrs. Uju Ezeobi, who reported a multi-million-naira land fraud case to the police, has tragically died in custody at the Nigeria Police Zonal Headquarters (Zone 13), Ukpo, Anambra State. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The case dates back to 2021 when Mrs. Nkiruka Duru, the president of the United Business Women Association, allegedly lured investors into purchasing land in Achala, claiming that her organization had secured virgin plots at competitive prices. Trusting her credibility, Mrs. Ezeobi facilitated the sales, attracting numerous buyers who collectively contributed over ₦200 million.
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However, rather than delivering the promised land, Duru allegedly diverted the funds for personal gain, leaving investors defrauded. After multiple failed attempts to resolve the matter, Mrs. Ezeobi petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), prompting an investigation by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) in Abuja. Formal charges were subsequently filed against Duru.
Alleged Manipulation of the Legal Process
Despite the case being in court, recent reports suggest that Duru and her associates sought to manipulate the legal process. Following a shake-up within the police force, which led to the transfer of officers initially handling the case, Duru allegedly leveraged her wealth and influence to have the case reassigned to Zone 13, Ukpo, where she could control the investigation.
On March 24, 2025, in what has been described as a “commando-style” operation, Mrs. Ezeobi was arrested in Asaba by SP Utazi and his team without prior notice or a summons. She was transported to Zone 13 and detained overnight, an act her legal team condemned as unlawful. Shocking images and videos of her detention were widely circulated on social media platforms linked to Duru.
Violation of Police Directives
Rather than conducting an independent investigation, police personnel at Zone 13 allegedly allowed Duru to dictate proceedings. This was in direct contravention of a directive (SIGNAL CB;4001/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.12/48 DTO;211340/11/2024) from the Inspector General of Police, which prohibits the takeover of cases already being handled by another police formation.
Mrs. Ezeobi’s legal team also accused Duru and certain police officers of using intimidation tactics to ensure the case file did not return to the DIG FCIID for proper prosecution.
Petition to the Inspector-General of Police
Just hours before her death, Okolo Ejike Esq., the lead counsel for Mrs. Ezeobi, had submitted a petition to the IGP detailing the inhumane treatment she was facing. The petition outlined the calculated efforts to detain her indefinitely and file trumped-up charges against her to obstruct justice. It also provided a historical background of the case, detailing how Duru allegedly defrauded investors and manipulated the police system to shield herself from accountability.
Circumstances of Death and Reactions
On March 29, 2025, sources confirmed Mrs. Ezeobi’s death in police custody. A source lamented, “She is dead. She was the complainant against a suspect, Nkiruka Duru, who is facing trial over a multi-million-naira land scam. Duru has finally succeeded in using the police to kill Mrs. Uju Ezeobi at Zone 13.”
Her death has raised serious concerns about police brutality, corruption, and the abuse of power within the Nigerian law enforcement system. Legal experts, human rights organizations, and members of the public are calling for an urgent and transparent investigation into the role of SP Utazi, Zone 13 officers, and their alleged collaboration with Duru in what many are now calling an extrajudicial killing.
Demands for Justice
Human rights organizations and legal bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and civil society groups, have condemned the incident and are demanding:
- An immediate independent investigation into Mrs. Ezeobi’s death.
- The suspension and prosecution of all officers involved in her unlawful detention.
- The transfer of the case file back to the DIG FCIID Abuja for impartial handling.
- A comprehensive police reform to prevent further misuse of power and manipulation of the justice system.
The tragic death of Mrs. Uju Ezeobi in police custody underscores the urgent need for police accountability and transparency in Nigeria. Her case, once a legal battle against fraudulent land dealings, has now become a symbol of the dangers whistleblowers face in Nigeria. As the nation watches closely, the demand for justice grows louder, and authorities are under pressure to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
