By Agboola Aluko | GLiDE NEWS
A marachi Oguzie, elder brother of the late Chizoba Oguzie, has recounted the traumatic events surrounding the tragic death of his sister, who died after a water tank crashed through the roof of her apartment while she was asleep. In an emotionally charged interview with GLiDE NEWS, Amarachi revealed how the family has been subjected to neglect, exploitation, and emotional suffering in the aftermath of the incident.
The heartbreaking incident occurred on March 18, 2025, at Number 7, View Avenue, Chevron, Lagos, when the elevated water tank, filled with water, gave way and plummeted through the building’s roof, killing Chizoba instantly in her sleep.
“She didn’t even get the chance to scream. She went to bed expecting to wake up, but she never did,” Amarachi said.
Chizoba had reportedly sublet the apartment from a woman identified as Favour Nnanna, who herself had rented the flat from the original landlady. However, attempts by Amarachi to get in touch with the landlady proved futile.
“Favour gave me a number and claimed it belonged to the landlady, who she said was in America. But when I called, the woman who picked up didn’t know anything about the incident or my sister. She even said I had dialed a wrong number,” Amarachi explained.
He described the landlady’s refusal to acknowledge the situation as callous and unacceptable, adding that such negligence showed a lack of empathy.
Following the incident, other tenants broke into Chizoba’s apartment and rushed her to a nearby hospital. However, she was pronounced dead on arrival.
“Despite knowing she was already dead, the hospital insisted on collecting N250,000 before releasing her body,” Amarachi said. “They claimed it was hospital policy, but they couldn't explain what the charges were for.”
After eventually making the payment, Amarachi was informed that a police report would be required to release the body. The family was then subjected to further financial demands at the police station.
“The police officers at the station asked for N100,000 before allowing Favour to make a statement. They even refused to give me their account details, insisting I send the money to a PoS operator’s account provided by Favour.”
Despite all efforts to maintain peace, Amarachi admitted he was reaching a breaking point.
“I would have had Favour arrested, but I made a promise to my mum not to cause trouble. Still, it’s getting hard to remain calm. They know what happened to my sister.”
Amarachi also revealed that his sister had returned to Nigeria after living in Dubai. A mother of two, Chizoba had hoped to start a new life in Lagos, setting up a salon and beauty spa. He supported her entrepreneurial dreams, paying for her training in hairdressing and computer skills in Aba.
“She went through so much with her ex, who left her after getting another woman pregnant. She had to return to our mother’s house with her children. I made sure they were enrolled in school and doing well.”
The last conversation Amarachi had with his sister was a week before her death. She had called to say a delivery person had run off with goods worth N155,000 she had sent to a customer.
“That was the last time I heard her voice. I never imagined it would be the last.”
Now, in mourning and battling for justice, Amarachi is calling for accountability.
“Whether it was poor construction or substandard materials, someone’s negligence cost my sister her life. The landlady, the hospital, the police—everyone failed us. A life was lost, and yet no one wants to take responsibility.”
The family has since transported Chizoba’s remains to Imo State, where her mother received the devastating news. The children she left behind are currently under family care.
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