The shocking incident in Abuja involving the sudden death of 27-year-old Esther Akwaji has sent ripples through the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), raising questions about safety in personal relationships and prompting an active police investigation.
What Happened? On January 21, 2026, Esther Akwaji, a resident of Nasarawa State who had traveled to visit family in the FCT, left her relatives’ home around 3:00 p.m., stating she was heading to a bank in the Dei-Dei area (Bwari Area Council). She never returned.
Hours later, around 10:30 p.m., her family received a call from a man using Esther’s phone. He identified himself as her boyfriend and explained that she had visited him at his residence in Dei-Dei.
According to his account, He purchased food for them to eat together. While eating, Esther suddenly began vomiting. He claimed to have rushed her to Kubwa General Hospital for medical attention. Doctors reportedly confirmed she was dead on arrival.
However, the man allegedly fled the hospital shortly after the pronouncement of death and has since been unreachable, leading to widespread suspicion.
Police Response and Investigation: The FCT Police Command received a distress call the following day (January 22, 2026, around 11:00 a.m.) from Esther’s brother, Mr. Peter Akwaji. Officers from Dei-Dei ‘A’ Division responded promptly, recovered the body from Kubwa General Hospital, and deposited it in the mortuary for an autopsy to establish the exact cause of death.
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident in statements to multiple media outlets. She stated that discreet investigations are underway, with efforts focused on tracing and apprehending the fleeing boyfriend, who remains at large. Authorities have described the death as mysterious and sudden, with no official cause released yet pending autopsy results.
Broader Context and Public Reaction: This case has drawn significant attention on social media and news platforms, with many expressing concern over the circumstances, particularly the boyfriend’s decision to flee rather than cooperate fully with authorities or the family.
Posts on X (formerly Twitter) and reports from outlets and others highlight calls for justice and thorough probing into potential foul play. While the police have not released the boyfriend’s identity or any evidence of criminal intent, his disappearance has fueled speculation.
The incident underscores ongoing discussions about personal safety, especially for women visiting partners, and the importance of prompt medical and legal accountability in sudden deaths.
As the investigation continues, the FCT Police Command urges anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward. The family and community await clarity from the autopsy and further police findings.
Note: This story is developing rapidly as of January 23, 2026. Official updates from the FCT Police should be monitored for the latest developments. May Esther Akwaji’s soul rest in peace, and may justice prevail.
