Amarachi Oguzie, elder brother of the late Chizoba Oguzie, recounts the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding her death and the emotional impact it has had on their family. In this interview with Temitope Adetunji, he shares their pain, unanswered questions, and the call for justice.
What was your relationship with Chizoba Oguzie?
She was my younger sister. I’m her older brother. We’re originally from Imo State, although I currently live in the United States.
Can you describe what happened on the day of her death?
On March 18, 2025, Chizoba returned home from work, freshened up, and went to bed to rest. While she was sleeping, the water tank stand above her apartment collapsed. The tank, full of water, crashed through the roof and landed directly on her.
She died instantly—no chance to scream or call for help. It was sudden, shocking, and absolutely devastating. She simply went to sleep and never woke up. No one deserves such a death.
Where did the incident take place?
It happened at No. 7, View Avenue, Chevron, Lagos, Nigeria.
What has been the reaction of the property owner?
My sister didn’t rent the apartment directly from the owner. A woman named Favour Nnanna rented the apartment and then sublet it to Chizoba.
I reached out to Favour to get the landlady’s contact. She claimed the landlady was based in the U.S. and gave me a phone number. But when I called, the woman who answered said she had no idea who my sister was and knew nothing about the incident. She also said I had the wrong number.
How did that make you feel?
I was devastated. Whether or not my sister rented directly from the owner, someone should take responsibility. If she had damaged the property, I’m sure the landlady would have surfaced immediately. But now, when a life has been lost, she is nowhere to be found.
It’s heartbreaking. The least the owner could do is reach out, acknowledge what happened, and express condolences. Their silence shows a lack of empathy and accountability.
Have you been able to get further clarification from Favour?
I told Favour the number she gave me was invalid, but she insisted that’s the one she used to communicate with the landlady via WhatsApp. Later, she said she had been attending a church program and hasn’t provided any further information.
I’ve tried to remain calm, especially because I promised my mother I wouldn’t stir up trouble. But my patience is running thin. They all know what happened.
How did your mother take the news?
Initially, we told her Chizoba was sick and unable to speak because we didn’t want to break the news too suddenly. She had been worried due to the silence.
When Chizoba’s body was finally transported to Imo State, we told her the truth. I called to comfort her and begged her not to harm herself. I told her that losing her would break me too.
Was Chizoba taken to a hospital after the accident?
Yes, neighbors rushed her to a hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival. I immediately sent my two older brothers to Lagos. Upon arrival, they were informed that the hospital wouldn’t release the body.
I called the hospital and insisted on speaking with the doctor. After some resistance, I was connected to him. He confirmed that my sister was already dead before arriving.
However, they demanded N250,000 to release her body. I asked what the payment was for, but they simply said it was hospital policy. I had no choice but to pay to avoid further delays.
Was that the end of the process?
No. After payment, they said we needed a police report to release the body. Favour offered to go to the police station but said she had no transport fare. I sent her between N3,500 and N5,000.
Later, she said she didn’t have airtime to call me, so I sent her N28,000. When she got to the police station, the officers demanded N100,000 before she could make a statement.
I was shocked. I asked why, but they refused to explain. They wouldn’t even provide an official account. I had to send the money to a PoS operator’s account that Favour provided. I was suspicious, but I just wanted my sister’s body released without further complications.
Was your sister married?
No, she wasn’t married, but she had two children. She had previously lived in Dubai and returned to Nigeria with plans to settle in Lagos. She worked as a hairdresser and nail technician and also ran a small online business.
When did she return from Dubai?
I’m not entirely sure, but it was either last year or the year before. She said she wanted to start fresh and open her own beauty salon.
What happened with the father of her children?
They were together for a while, but he eventually got another woman pregnant. That was the last straw for her.
She had lived with his family before traveling to Dubai, but things were rough financially and emotionally. When she returned, she stayed with our elder sister in Aba and began training in hairdressing. I paid for her training and also enrolled her and our nephew in computer classes.
Eventually, she left her ex for good and brought the children back to our mother’s care. I made sure they were enrolled in school and well cared for.
As for her ex, I even took him to Senegal to support him, but he ran away to Cotonou and hasn’t looked back. He has never visited or contacted his children.
When was the last time you spoke with Chizoba?
About a week before her death. She told me she had sent goods worth N155,000 to a customer, but the delivery agent ran away with them. That was our last conversation.
What was her position in the family?
She was the fifth of six children—our second to last.
What kind of justice are you seeking?
I want the property owner held accountable. Regardless of who rented directly, someone died due to structural negligence.
The owner should have reached out to our family. We’re not asking for compensation—we want acknowledgment and responsibility.
An investigation should be carried out to assess the safety of that building. If nothing is done, this tragedy could happen again. We’ve lost a sister in the most senseless way imaginable.
Are you considering legal action?
Yes, I am. Initially, we held back because of my mother’s request, but the silence from the property owner has pushed me to take legal steps. This can’t be ignored.
How is your mother coping?
It has been extremely difficult. With our father gone, she’s been handling this alone. We try to comfort her, but nothing we say can erase her pain.
I’ve been trying to stay strong for her, but I’m struggling too. It’s hard to bear, and the emotional weight is crushing.
Has Chizoba been buried?
Not yet. Her burial is scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025.
