The Nigeria Police Force has assured that it is reviewing petitions submitted by Prof. Sandra Chidinma Duru following her public allegations of undue delay in the investigation of a murder and alleged human organ harvesting case.
Prof. Duru had submitted a formal petition alleging murder and human organ harvesting, which she said was officially received and investigated by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) through the Force’s Monitoring Unit.
She has, however, alleged that despite what she described as admissible evidence already in police custody, no suspect has been charged to date.
In a series of statements, Prof. Duru rejected claims linking her case to unrelated political matters, insisting that it has no connection whatsoever with cases involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio or former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
She further stated that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has no constitutional role in interfering with police investigations or criminal prosecution in her matter.
“Any claim that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, directed the withdrawal of criminal charges in this matter is unknown to me, it is unlawful, and it is bluntly rejected,” Prof. Duru said. “My case against Natasha Akpoti is independent, evidence-based, and meets national and international prosecutorial standards. It must be prosecuted.”
Prof. Duru warned that continued delays, vague assurances, and repeated references to “looking into the files” would no longer be acceptable.
According to her, “A straightforward criminal matter of this gravity does not require indefinite review.”
She issued a notice stating that if there is no “immediate and transparent action” by the end of the week, January 25, 2025, she would initiate what she described as an organised and strategic response across selected local and international media platforms, as well as with relevant domestic and international agencies.
“I am in possession of classified documents and evidence that will put a permanent closure on this blooming controversy surrounding the reputation of Nigeria as ‘a lawless or not lawless country’,” she said, adding that Nigeria would be compelled to confront the issues publicly.
She also warned against attempts to portray her pursuit of justice as politically motivated or as an attack on the President or the country.
“Nobody is more Nigerian than the rest of us, not even the president and his appointees,” Prof. Duru said.
“I demand immediate public clarification clearing my name and the prosecution of all culpable parties. History will reflect who upheld the law and who chose to shield a culprit and her enablers.”
Prof. Duru also disclosed that she has reached out to her congressional representatives in the United States, as well as relevant authorities within the Nigerian government, including the Presidency, to draw attention to her case and seek accountability.
