The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit over an alleged unlawful police raid carried out on January 21, 2026, in Awka, which has reportedly been linked to the death of Madam Grace Nwijeamaka Nweke.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Okoye Chuka Peter, the group said the petition followed complaints submitted by the deceased’s family. According to the family, the operation was allegedly led by Inspector Yomi Lawrence of Zone 13, Ukpo.
The family alleged that at least five armed officers, dressed in plain clothes and operating in an unmarked vehicle, stormed the area and forcibly entered the complainant’s apartment without presenting lawful authorisation or identification.
Madam Nweke, who was reportedly hypertensive, allegedly suffered severe shock and emotional trauma following the incident. She was said to have died ten days later, on January 31, 2026.
CEHRAWS stated that if proven, the allegations raise serious constitutional and human rights concerns. The organisation noted that Sections 33, 34, 35 and 37 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantee citizens the rights to life, dignity, personal liberty and privacy of their homes, stressing that such rights can only be limited through lawful and clearly defined procedures.
The group further emphasised that the Police Act 2020 imposes obligations on officers to maintain professionalism, accountability and proper identification during operations.
“In a constitutional democracy, armed officers cannot operate as faceless enforcers. Any forced entry into a citizen’s home must be backed by lawful authority and strict procedural compliance,” the organisation said.
CEHRAWS is demanding an independent and transparent investigation outside the Zone 13 command structure, immediate preservation of all operational logs, communication records and deployment authorisations relating to the raid, as well as a coroner’s inquest to determine the exact cause of Madam Nweke’s death.
The organisation also called for the temporary redeployment of any officers directly implicated, pending investigation, and the prosecution of anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.
According to CEHRAWS, cases where state action is alleged to have contributed to a citizen’s death require heightened investigation standards under both domestic laws and international human rights obligations.
“This is not merely a private family tragedy; it is a test of whether accountability within the Nigeria Police Force is real, functional and impartial,” the group stated.
CEHRAWS further noted that investigative journalism and anti-corruption advocacy are protected under Section 39 of the Constitution and should not attract intimidation or retaliatory law enforcement actions.
The organisation warned that it would pursue additional lawful remedies, including engagement with the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and appropriate judicial processes if the matter does not receive urgent and transparent attention.
The statement concluded by stressing that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
