By TheWatch.NG | April 12, 2025
Amarachi Oguzie, the elder brother of the late Chizoba Oguzie, has shared the harrowing account of his sister’s sudden death after a water tank collapsed on her while she slept at her apartment in Lagos.
In an interview with a reputable media outlet, Amarachi Oguzie described the devastation that struck their family on March 18, 2025.
“She went to work, came home, freshened up, and lay down to rest,” he recounted. “She had no idea it would be her last day. The water tank stand collapsed, crashed through the roof, and landed directly on her. She didn’t even get the chance to scream. She died in her sleep.”
The Incident
The tragic event occurred at Number 7, View Avenue, Chevron, Lagos. According to Amarachi, his sister had sublet the apartment from a woman named Favour Nnanna, who had initially rented the space from a landlady whose identity remains unclear.
When Amarachi attempted to contact the supposed landlady, he was given a number by Favour. But the person who answered denied knowing anything about the incident or the property.
“If someone dies in your house, the least you can do is show concern. But the landlady has remained unreachable, and her denial is unacceptable,” Amarachi said.
Hospital Demands and Delays
After Chizoba was discovered by fellow tenants, she was rushed to a hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. What followed was a troubling ordeal.
“The hospital demanded N250,000 before releasing her body. I was shocked why charge for someone who was brought in dead? But I paid it because I didn’t want her body to decay there.”
Even after the payment, the hospital refused to release her body without a police report. Amarachi then sent money to Favour to facilitate this process, only to face further demands from the police.
“They asked for N100,000 just to make a statement. I was desperate to retrieve my sister’s body, so I sent it. But the whole situation felt like a game.”
Personal Background
Chizoba, a mother of two, had returned from Dubai to settle in Lagos. She was a trained hairdresser, nail technician, and aspiring entrepreneur planning to open her own salon and spa.
“She left her children with our mother and was working hard to build a future for them,” Amarachi said. “She had gone through a lot—an unsupportive partner, betrayal, starting over. And now this?”
No Word from Property Owner
Amarachi insists that the silence from the house owner is not just disrespectful—it’s negligent.
“Even if she didn’t rent directly from them, someone died in their house. The structure failed. The silence is unbearable. A proper investigation is needed into that building.”
He is now considering legal action against those responsible.
“Initially, my mum asked us not to stir trouble, but we can’t remain silent anymore. The owner must be held accountable.”
A Family in Mourning
The family, especially their mother, has been left shattered by the loss.
“She tries to be strong, but how do you comfort a mother who just lost her child? My dad is no longer with us. She’s going through this alone.”
Final Resting
Chizoba Oguzie will be laid to rest on Friday, April 25, 2025.
