A coalition of leading Civil Society Organisations in the Southeast has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), demanding an urgent, independent, and transparent investigation into the alleged unlawful police raid that resulted in the death of one Madam Grace Nwijeamaka Nweke.
The raid on the private residence of the deceased was allegedly carried out on 21 January 2026 in Umudioka village, Awka, Anambra State, by a police team from the 13th Zonal Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Ukpo.
The petition 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 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.
It was gathered that the deceased, said to be hypertensive, reportedly suffered severe shock following the incident and passed away on 31st January 2026.
The family’s petition alleges a causal link between the trauma of the raid and her death.
According to the petition by the CSO coalition made available to The News Chronicle correspondent in Awka, the allegations, if substantiated, implicate several provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
These include the rights to life, dignity of the human person, personal liberty, privacy of the home, and freedom of expression.
The petition was jointly signed by the Onurube Coalition, the Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), the Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), the Foundation for Civil Society Engagement, the Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), and the Sisters With A Goal Initiative (SWAG).
The coalition emphasised that any police operation conducted without a lawful warrant, due process, or proper authorisation may constitute an 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,” it said.
The coalition 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, and recommend temporary redeployment of implicated officers pending investigation.
It also urged the NHRC to 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, and take interim measures to prevent interference with evidence or intimidation of witnesses.
“We believe that the case as more than a private grievance, and should be seen as a test of institutional accountability and the protection of citizens against abuse of state power.
“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, we 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,” it warned.
