A Nigerian woman, Mrs. Uju Ezeobi, has died while in police custody after reporting a multi-million-naira land fraud.
According to Sahara Reporters, she was allegedly tortured at the Nigeria Police Zonal Headquarters (Zone 13) in Ukpo, Anambra State.
The case dates back to 2021 when Mrs. Nkiruka Duru, president of the United Business Women Association, convinced investors to buy land in Achala.
Ezeobi, who helped facilitate the sales, later discovered that Duru had allegedly diverted over N200 million instead of delivering the promised land.
After failed attempts to resolve the matter, Ezeobi reported the fraud to the police, leading to formal charges against Duru.
However, despite the case reaching court, Duru allegedly used her wealth and influence to manipulate the investigation.
In a controversial move, the case was transferred to Zone 13, where Ezeobi was arrested on March 24, 2025, by SP Utazi’s team in a “commando-style” operation.
Her lawyers condemned the arrest as unlawful, and images of her in custody were circulated online, reportedly by Duru’s associates.
Ezeobi’s legal team had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, accusing certain officers of working with Duru to intimidate and unlawfully detain her.
Just hours after the petition was submitted, Ezeobi was confirmed dead.
Her lawyers claim she was deliberately held on false charges and subjected to inhumane treatment.
They are now calling for an independent investigation and for the case to be returned to the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) in Abuja for proper prosecution.
