‘My sister wasn’t killed over HIV’ — Family demands justice for slain Enugu lady
The family of Chinyere Susan Rosemary Ugwu, a slain Enugu resident known as an event planner, is demanding a thorough investigation into her death. The request was made by her elder sister, Kenechi Maryam, in a statement released Thursday.
Rosemary’s family has expressed concerns regarding reports suggesting that her death resulted from HIV-related issues. Maryam emphasized that such claims should not be considered facts until an official investigation is completed.
Maryam stated that she personally attended an interview with the suspect, which was held in the presence of the Commissioner of Police, other family members, and an aunt who serves as a police officer. According to Maryam, the suspect initially claimed to have attacked Rosemary with a pestle but later changed his account when questioned about the various injuries on her body.
“The suspect initially spoke about using a pestle to attack my sister. However, when asked about other injuries, including those to her head and neck, he reportedly mentioned using a machete,” she said.
The family seeks clarity on the circumstances surrounding Rosemary’s injuries, including what caused them and the objects used in the attack. Maryam also raised concerns about the conditions in which Rosemary’s body was allegedly discovered — inside a toilet within the residence.
Additionally, she questioned the significance of several items reportedly found at the scene, including a calabash, candles, and a red cloth or rope. Maryam specifically asked, “Where is one of my sister’s wrists?”
While addressing these issues, Maryam cautioned against making premature conclusions, stating, “These are not conclusions from me. They are questions that require proper investigation and evidence.” She urged police, medical professionals, and other relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the events surrounding her sister’s death.
The family also called for sensitivity from journalists, bloggers, human rights advocates, lawyers, and social media users, asking them not to reduce Rosemary’s death to sensationalized headlines. Maryam encouraged anyone with credible information, photographs, videos, or other relevant evidence to share it with the family or the appropriate authorities.
“We are not asking anyone to take the law into their own hands. We are asking for truth, due process, and justice,” she stated.
Maryam reflected on Rosemary’s character, describing her as a hardworking, ambitious, and determined individual who aspired to build a fulfilling life. “My sister was someone’s daughter, sister, and friend. She had dreams, plans, and a future,” she said. “Whatever the circumstances surrounding her death, she deserves to have the truth established.”
