Tragedy has struck in Anambra State as Mrs. Uju Ezeobi, the complainant in a high-profile multi-million naira land fraud case, has allegedly been tortured to death while in police custody at the Nigeria Police Zonal Headquarters (Zone 13), Ukpo.
Ezeobi, who had been actively pursuing justice against Mrs. Nkiruka Duru, a prominent businesswoman accused of orchestrating a massive land scam, was reportedly arrested in a dramatic commando-style operation on March 24, 2025, in Asaba. Her arrest, carried out by SP Utazi and his team, has sparked outrage, with many questioning the role of the police in what appears to be a blatant case of judicial manipulation.
Her death comes just hours after her legal representatives, led by Okolo Ejike Esq, petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over what they described as her unlawful detention and inhumane treatment.
Sources close to the matter have revealed that Ezeobi had been leading the charge in exposing a fraudulent land scheme allegedly spearheaded by Duru, the President of the United Business Women Association. In 2021, Duru purportedly lured investors into purchasing non-existent land in Achala, collecting over N200 million in the process.
Ezeobi, trusting Duru’s credibility, facilitated the sale and attracted numerous buyers. However, instead of delivering the promised plots, Duru allegedly diverted the funds for personal gain. Repeated attempts to resolve the matter amicably proved futile, forcing Ezeobi to escalate the case to the Inspector-General of Police.
Following an investigation by the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) in Abuja, formal charges were filed against Duru. However, in a shocking turn of events, Duru and her associates allegedly exploited a shake-up in the police hierarchy to have the case reassigned to Zone 13, where they wielded influence over the officers handling the matter.
On March 24, 2025, SP Utazi and his team apprehended Ezeobi in Asaba without prior summons. She was swiftly transferred to Zone 13, where she was detained overnight under questionable circumstances. Legal experts have condemned this move, citing it as a violation of her rights and an attempt to intimidate her into silence.
Shockingly, videos and images of Ezeobi in detention surfaced on social media platforms allegedly linked to Duru, further fueling speculation that the arrest was orchestrated to publicly humiliate and break her spirit.
According to a legal petition submitted before her death, Ezeobi’s lawyers highlighted that officers at Zone 13 blatantly disregarded an official directive from the IGP (SIGNAL CB;4001/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.12/48 DTO;211340/11/2024), which explicitly forbade the takeover of cases already being handled by another police formation. Instead of upholding justice, police personnel reportedly colluded with Duru to suppress the case.
Ezeobi’s sudden demise in custody has triggered widespread condemnation, with human rights activists demanding an independent investigation into the role of the police in her death. Legal experts insist that her detention was a gross abuse of power designed to silence a whistleblower who sought justice against a powerful and well-connected fraud suspect.
Her legal team had earlier petitioned the IGP, stating:
“Our client, Mrs. Uju Ezeobi, played a crucial role in exposing a fraudulent land deal masterminded by Mrs. Nkiruka Duru. She was unjustly detained and subjected to cruel treatment under the directives of those who sought to cover up this crime. We urge the authorities to take immediate action to ensure that those responsible for her unlawful arrest and untimely death are brought to book.”
The petition had called for the immediate transfer of the case file back to the DIG FCIID for proper prosecution, but tragically, before any action could be taken, Ezeobi lost her life.
Her death now raises serious questions about police complicity in cases where justice is seemingly up for sale to the highest bidder. Nigerians are demanding transparency, accountability, and most importantly—justice for Uju Ezeobi.
As outrage grows, all eyes are on the Inspector-General of Police to take decisive action. Will those responsible for Ezeobi’s death be held accountable, or will this case be yet another example of impunity within Nigeria’s law enforcement system?
For now, one thing remains clear: Uju Ezeobi’s tragic demise will not be forgotten, and the fight for justice is far from over.
PIONEER NEWS 