A Nigerian woman, Mrs. Uju Ezeobi, who filed a complaint against a multi-million naira land fraud, has reportedly died in police custody after being unlawfully arrested and allegedly tortured at the Nigeria Police Zonal Headquarters (Zone 13), Ukpo, Anambra State.
Ezeobi was the main complainant in a land scam involving Mrs. Nkiruka Duru, president of the United Business Women Association. The incident dates back to 2021, when Duru allegedly convinced investors to buy land in Achala, Anambra State, through her association. Ezeobi helped attract buyers who contributed over N200 million to the scheme, trusting Duru’s promise that the land was genuine and available.
However, instead of securing the land, Duru allegedly diverted the funds for personal use, leaving the investors defrauded. After failed attempts to settle the matter, Ezeobi reported the case to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and it was subsequently transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID), Abuja. This led to formal charges against Duru.
Despite this progress, sources say Duru used her wealth and connections to influence the case. Following internal reshuffling within the police, the case was allegedly reassigned to Zone 13 in Ukpo, where Duru reportedly had stronger influence.
On March 24, 2025, Ezeobi was arrested in Asaba by officers led by SP Utazi in what witnesses described as a “commando-style” operation. She was detained at Zone 13 without prior notice or a formal invitation. Her lawyers condemned the arrest as illegal and accused police officers of working in collaboration with Duru.
Shortly before her death, Ezeobi’s legal team, led by Okolo Ejike Esq, submitted a petition to the IGP alleging severe mistreatment in custody. The petition accused SP Utazi and his team of violating a standing directive from the IGP prohibiting the reassignment of cases already under investigation by another police department.
Disturbingly, videos and photos of Ezeobi in custody were shared online through platforms linked to Duru, raising questions about the conduct of the police and their failure to protect a complainant.
“She is dead. She was the complainant against Duru, who is facing trial for a land fraud case. Duru has now succeeded in using the police to silence her permanently,” a source close to the matter told Reporters.
The late Ezeobi’s lawyers described her detention as part of a coordinated attempt to derail the court process and intimidate her into silence. They alleged that trumped-up charges were being filed against her to prevent the case file from returning to the FCIID for proper prosecution.
In their petition, they detailed how Ezeobi was deceived into believing she was assisting a legitimate land project. Acting on Duru’s assurances, she recruited over 2,000 land buyers. The funds were paid through the association’s account, but the promised plots were never delivered.
Instead, Duru allegedly used the money for personal luxury items. When Ezeobi demanded accountability, she became the target of harassment and legal manipulation.
The lawyers urged the IGP to intervene immediately by ordering the return of the case file to the FCIID and investigating the officers involved in her arrest and detention.
Ezeobi’s death in custody has sparked public outrage and raised serious concerns about police abuse and the misuse of power in Nigeria’s justice system. Human rights groups and civil society organizations are now calling for an independent investigation and justice for the late whistleblower.
This is a developing story. Updates to follow.
