The family of 41-year-old Miss Lechi Nwachukwu, who passed away three days after being released from police custody in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, seeking a thorough investigation into the cause of her death.
Lechi, who hailed from Umeze, Imo State, was arrested by the police on March 7, 2025, following accusations made by her stepmothers. The stepmothers alleged that Lechi had threatened their lives, an accusation that the family believes was blown out of proportion. The complaint, lodged by Mrs. Celine Nwachukwu, was taken seriously by the police, leading to Lechi’s arrest. However, the family believes there may have been more to the story than what the authorities have stated.
Lechi’s younger brother, Ability Nwachukwu, has expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding his sister’s death. According to him, after spending three days in police custody, Lechi was released on March 10, 2025, in a critical condition. She was rushed to the Federal Medical Teaching Hospital in Owerri, where doctors confirmed that she was dead on arrival.
“My sister was arrested because my stepmothers accused her of threatening their lives. Yes, there have been some disagreements between them, but it was nothing serious. The allegations that she threatened them were exaggerated. When she was released from custody, she was not in good health and was clearly in distress. She died three days later,” Ability stated, visibly distraught.
The family has since sought legal representation to ensure that the truth behind Lechi’s death is uncovered. They have engaged the services of a law firm led by Kenny Kalu, who has formally written a petition to the IGP and the Zone 9 Police Command, demanding an investigation into the events surrounding her death.
The petition, signed by the family’s counsel, describes the death as mysterious, noting that Lechi’s condition after her release from police custody was critical. It also points out that the police had initially determined the petition against Lechi to be malicious. Following this conclusion, she was granted bail, but her release was delayed, and when she finally returned home, she was in such poor health that she could not survive long enough to receive the necessary medical attention.
Kenny Kalu, the family’s lawyer, stated, “Upon a conclusive investigation carried out by the police, the petition was considered malicious, and an order to release the deceased on bail was made pending further determination of the matter. She was released on March 10, 2025, in bad health. The family is calling for a full investigation into how my client’s sister ended up in such a condition and why she was released in such a state.”
The family’s petition highlights several unanswered questions about what happened to Lechi while in police custody. They suspect foul play and are demanding answers from the authorities. They also allege that the police may have failed in their duty of care while she was in detention, which may have contributed to her declining health.
The family is calling on the Inspector General of Police to ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out to uncover the truth behind Lechi’s tragic death. They are demanding that those responsible for her poor treatment and untimely death be held accountable.
Lechi’s death has caused a wave of shock and outrage among her family and friends, as well as the larger community in Imo State. Many are questioning the conduct of the police officers involved and whether they are to blame for her deteriorating health. Her family believes that justice has not been served and that Lechi’s rights were violated while in police custody.
“This is a case that must be fully investigated. We are not going to rest until we know the full truth about what happened to our sister. We want justice, and we demand accountability,” said Ability Nwachukwu.
The incident has brought attention to the larger issue of police conduct in Nigeria, especially regarding the treatment of suspects in custody. There have been several reports of detainees suffering from inhumane treatment or neglect while in police custody, leading to injury, illness, or even death. The family’s call for justice is part of a larger effort to ensure that such cases do not go unnoticed and that those responsible for mistreating detainees are held accountable.
The family has also raised concerns about the broader implications of Lechi’s case, particularly in relation to how police are handling cases of domestic disputes and accusations. While the law should protect individuals from threats and harm, it must also ensure that accused persons are treated fairly and not subjected to undue harm or mistreatment during their detention.
The tragic death of Lechi Nwachukwu has highlighted gaps in the Nigerian justice system, particularly with regard to how police handle cases of domestic conflicts. It also underscores the need for reform in how the police treat individuals in custody. Advocates for human rights and child protection have long called for greater accountability within the police force, especially in cases where the rights of citizens, particularly women and children, are violated.
In the wake of Lechi’s death, many are calling for reforms to ensure better treatment of suspects in custody and to guarantee that incidents like this one do not go uninvestigated. The case has ignited a conversation about the need for greater transparency and accountability in the Nigerian police force.
As the family waits for answers, they are resolute in their determination to seek justice for Lechi and ensure that her death is properly investigated. They hope that their petition to the IGP will lead to a thorough inquiry into the cause of her death and that those responsible for her ill-treatment while in police custody will be held accountable.
For now, the Nwachukwu family is left to mourn the loss of a loved one who was taken too soon under suspicious circumstances. They are calling on the Inspector General of Police and the relevant authorities to step in and provide the answers they desperately need.
