FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23rd February 2026
CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS DEMAND INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED POLICE RAID AND DEATH OF MADAM GRACE NWIJEAMAKA NWEKE
A coalition of leading Civil Society Organisations has formally petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) demanding an urgent, independent, and transparent investigation into the alleged unlawful police raid carried out on 21 January 2026 in Anambra State and the subsequent death of Madam Grace Nwijeamaka Nweke.
The petition, dated 20th February 2026 and copied to the Police Service Commission (PSC), raises grave constitutional and human rights concerns arising from the alleged operation conducted by officers attached to Zone 13, Ukpo.
According to the family’s petition reviewed by the coalition, a police team allegedly led by Inspector Yomi Lawrence reportedly raided the private residence of the late Madam Grace Nweke without lawful justification.
The operation is alleged to have been instigated by private individuals and targeted documents connected to pending legal proceedings and criminal complaints.
The deceased, said to be hypertensive, reportedly suffered severe shock following the incident and passed away on 31 January 2026. The petition alleges a causal link between the trauma of the raid and her death.
CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY IMPLICATIONS
If substantiated, the allegations implicate several provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), including the rights to life, dignity of the human person, personal liberty, privacy of the home, and freedom of expression.
The coalition emphasised that any police operation conducted without lawful warrant, due process, or proper authorisation may constitute unlawful search, abuse of office, and violations of human rights standards binding on Nigeria.
Under the Police Act 2020, the Nigeria Police Force is mandated to protect lives and property, uphold the rule of law, and operate in compliance with human rights obligations.
Allegations that state action may have contributed to the death of a citizen impose an immediate and non-discretionary duty to investigate.
DEMANDS BY CIVIL SOCIETY
The coalition has called on the National Human Rights Commission to:
✓ Initiate an urgent and independent investigation into the incident;
✓ Preserve operational logs, communication records, and authorisations related to the raid;
✓ Recommend temporary redeployment of implicated officers pending investigation;
✓ Facilitate or recommend the institution of a Coroner’s Inquest under applicable Anambra State law;
✓ Issue findings publicly and recommend prosecution or disciplinary measures where culpability is established;
✓ Take interim measures to prevent interference with evidence or intimidation of witnesses.
A TEST OF INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
The organisations described the case as “more than a private grievance,” characterising it as a test of institutional accountability and the protection of citizens against abuse of state power.
They further noted that the matter has generated significant public concern and will be subject to sustained civic oversight. Should the case fail to receive timely and credible attention, the coalition indicated it may pursue lawful escalation measures, including strategic litigation and national and international human rights engagement.
”The rule of law demands transparency.
Justice demands independence.
Human rights demand action”.
SIGNATORIES
The petition was jointly signed by:
1. Onurube Coalition
2. Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS)
3. Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD)
4. Foundation for Civil Society Engagement
5. Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI)
6. Sisters With A Goal Initiative (SWAG).
For further inquiries:
Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI)
Email: vivacious.initiative@gmail.com
Tel: +234 (0)803 920 9199.
