- The autopsy indicated that drowning was the reason for Chinyere Awuda’s demise
- The police statement clears Cosmila Hotel of any involvement in the woman’s death
The Anambra State Police Command has provided clarification on the unfortunate incident involving Chinyere Awuda, whose body was discovered near an abandoned swimming pool on the premises of Cosmila Hotel.
According to the statement issued by DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesman, the autopsy report confirmed that there were no signs of trauma on the deceased’s body. Instead, the report indicated that she accidentally fell into the abandoned swimming pool and drowned, which was identified as the cause of her death.
This comes in contrast to previous claims suggesting that she was beaten to death after allegedly picking naira notes during a birthday celebration at the hotel.
The statement read, “On July 17, 2023, the body of a young lady later identified as Miss Chinyere Awuda was found in an abandoned swimming pool within the premises of Cosmila Hotel located at No. 10 Cosmila Close, off old INEC Road by Regina Caeli Junction, Awka.
“It was alleged that the deceased was beaten to death by some persons who had an event at the hotel the previous night. She was accused of pilfering some of the naira notes allegedly sprayed on the celebrant.
“In the course of the police investigation, the celebrant was arrested for questioning while the corpse was recovered and deposited at the morgue for autopsy.
“Contrary to claims that the deceased was beaten to death, the pathologist found no sign of trauma on the body.
“The autopsy report indicated that drowning was the cause of death. This finding was in tandem with claims that the lady ran away when accosted and every effort made to find her that night was futile. It would appear that she fell into the abandoned swimming pool and drowned.”
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Aderemi Adeoye, has directed that the case file be forwarded to the Attorney-General for vetting and legal advice.
He added that any further development will be communicated to the public in due course.