A coalition of leading Civil Society Organisations has formally petitioned the National Human Rights Commission demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the alleged unlawful police raid carried out on January 21, 2026 at the residence of an octogenarian, Madam Grace Nweke, in Umudioka community, in the Dunukokofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The petition made available to South-East Punch on Tuesday was signed by groups, such as Onurube Coalition, Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society, Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development, Foundation for Civil Society Engagement, Vivacious Development Initiative and Sisters With A Goal Initiative.
In the petition, the groups and the family members of the octogenarian alleged that the “illegal” invasion by the police at Nweke’s residence subsequently led to her death.
The petition, dated February 20, 2026 and copied to the Police Service Commission, raises grave constitutional and human rights concerns arising from the alleged operation said to be conducted by officers attached to Zone 13, Ukpo, Dunukokofia LGA.
According to the family’s petition reviewed by the coalition, a police team allegedly led by one 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 January 31, 2026.
The petition alleges a link between the trauma of the raid and her death, saying the police operation was conducted without lawful warrant, due process, or proper authorisation, thereby constituting unlawful search, abuse of office, and violations of human rights standards binding on Nigeria.
It read in part, “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.”
The groups urge the National Human Rights Commission to initiate an urgent and independent investigation into the incident by preserving 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,” it added.
The CSOs 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,” the CSOs concluded.
One of the sons of the deceased, Chukwunenye Nweke, insisted that his mother died due to the trauma and shock sustained after the police invasion at her residence, adding that the family members were devastated by the incident.
“I am an online journalist. The incident got my mother traumatised leading to her death in the hospital some days later. The issue started from Zone 9, Umuahia after I exposed the unprofessional and criminal conducts of some police officers through my publication.
“I got arrested and charged for cyberbullying and cyber stalking and was remanded in prison. I later secured my bail from High Court Umuahia; this is also coming after a fresh petition written to the AIG Zone 13, Ukpo, Anambra State, exposing how some officers conspired to send me to prison because of my publication exposing their criminal and unprofessional acts.
“So, as a result of this, some police team raided the private residence of my mother, Madam Grace Nweke without lawful justification. The operation was instigated by private individuals and targeted documents connected to pending legal proceedings and criminal complaints. Their invasion into her residents led to her death.”
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