The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched a full investigation into the sudden death of a 27-year-old woman, Esther Akwaji, who reportedly collapsed and died while visiting her boyfriend in Dei-Dei, Bwari Area Council of Abuja.
The incident, which happened on January 21, has raised many questions, especially after the man said to be Esther’s boyfriend allegedly fled shortly after doctors confirmed her death at a hospital in Kubwa. As of the time of filing this report, his identity has not been officially confirmed, and police say efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest him.
Esther Akwaji, who was said to be a resident of Nasarawa State, had travelled to the Federal Capital Territory to visit family members. According to family sources, she was healthy and showed no signs of illness before leaving home on the day of the incident.
Family members said Esther informed them that she was going to a bank in Dei-Dei area of Abuja and would return later in the day. However, hours passed and she did not come back. Her phone also became unreachable, which caused concern among relatives.
Later that same day, the family reportedly received a phone call from an unknown man who used Esther’s mobile phone. The caller identified himself as Esther’s boyfriend and informed the family that she had come to visit him at his residence in Dei-Dei.
According to the information given to the family, the man claimed he had bought food for both of them. While they were eating, Esther suddenly began to vomit and complained of feeling unwell. The man said her condition worsened quickly, prompting him to rush her to Kubwa General Hospital for urgent medical attention.
However, upon arrival at the hospital, doctors reportedly examined Esther and confirmed that she was already dead on arrival. Medical staff were said to have informed the man of her death and advised that the matter be reported to the police.
Sources alleged that shortly after Esther was confirmed dead, the boyfriend quietly left the hospital premises and did not return. All attempts to reach him afterwards were unsuccessful, raising suspicion around the circumstances of the woman’s death.
Hospital officials reportedly alerted the police after the man fled. Officers from the FCT Police Command later arrived at the hospital and took over the case. Esther’s body was subsequently deposited at the morgue for preservation and further examination.
Confirming the incident, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Command had commenced a full investigation to uncover what truly happened. She stated that the police were treating the case seriously due to the unclear circumstances surrounding the woman’s sudden death.
According to SP Adeh, the corpse has been deposited for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. She explained that the outcome of the medical examination would help investigators understand whether the death was natural, accidental, or involved foul play.
She also confirmed that the man said to be Esther’s boyfriend is currently on the run and that efforts are ongoing to identify, trace, and arrest him for questioning. The police urged members of the public with useful information to come forward and assist the investigation.
The death of Esther Akwaji has thrown her family into deep sorrow and confusion. Relatives described her as a quiet and respectful young woman who had hopes and plans for her future. They said it was difficult to understand how someone who left home in good health could suddenly lose her life under such unclear conditions.
Some family members have called on the police to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. They appealed for justice and urged authorities not to allow the case to be forgotten, especially given the fact that the last person seen with Esther has disappeared.
The incident has also sparked concern among residents of Dei-Dei and surrounding communities. Many expressed worry over issues of safety, especially for young women who visit friends or partners in unfamiliar places. Some residents called for increased public awareness about personal safety and the importance of informing trusted people about one’s movements.
Cases of sudden deaths under unclear circumstances have continued to draw public attention in Nigeria, particularly when suspects flee before giving full explanations. Human rights groups have often stressed the need for proper investigations and timely prosecution to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Legal experts say that fleeing after a death, even if there was no wrongdoing, raises serious suspicion and complicates investigations. They note that cooperation with the police is key in clearing doubts and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
As investigations continue, the police have assured the public that they are committed to uncovering the truth behind Esther Akwaji’s death. SP Adeh reiterated that the Command would not relent until all those involved are identified and brought to justice.
For now, the family of Esther Akwaji waits anxiously for answers, hoping that the autopsy report and police findings will shed light on what led to the tragic loss of their loved one.
The FCT Police Command has advised residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, stressing that official updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.