The tragic death of two-year-old Winnie Akakue at Wisdom Gate International School, Eligbolo, Rivers State, has sparked widespread outrage, with her family demanding justice and transparency. Winnie reportedly died on March 17, 2026, under circumstances the family describes as suspicious. According to her father, Dr. Iasuaka Akakue, the school claimed she was asleep in class when a bookshelf allegedly collapsed on her. A preliminary autopsy briefing indicated she suffered a fractured skull. However, the family has raised serious concerns about how the incident was handled. Dr. Akakue said they were informed only after the school had already taken the child to two medical facilities, with doctors at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital confirming she was brought in dead. He also alleged that the scene of the incident was tampered with before any independent assessment could be carried out, claiming the bookshelf was moved and the area cleaned. The family further accused certain individuals of pressuring them into a quick burial and an out-of-court settlement. Dr. Akakue expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation, alleging bias and a lack of thoroughness. He also disputed claims that the family failed to request the autopsy report, stating they were assured they would be contacted once it was ready. “We just want justice for our daughter and to know exactly what happened,” he said, adding that the family is preparing to take legal action. Winnie’s mother, Mrs. Chinyere Akakue, recounted receiving conflicting information from the school. She said she was initially told her daughter was alive, only to arrive and find her lifeless. “It’s been weeks without my child. We’re still in shock,” she said, describing the emotional toll on the family and Winnie’s siblings. Following the incident, a legal practitioner, Chetam Nwala, called for the school to be shut down pending a full investigation, stressing the need for accountability. In response, the Rivers State Government ordered the immediate closure of the school and launched an independent review. The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enforcing strict safety standards. The school management, while expressing deep sorrow, maintained that it acted promptly and has been cooperating with authorities. It also stated that internal reviews are ongoing to strengthen safety measures. Despite the closure, the school’s proprietress and some parents have appealed to the government to reconsider, citing the disruption to pupils’ education and the strain on families. However, authorities insist the school will remain closed until investigations are concluded.

The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, may suffer further delays following uncertainty over the availability of a key prosecution witness. Sources familiar with the case disclosed that the prosecution is expected to inform the Federal Capital Territory High Court that Jim Obazee may be unable to appear in court as scheduled. Obazee, a special investigator appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is expected to testify in the case involving an alleged $6.23 million discrepancy linked to the Central Bank’s Abuja branch. If his absence is confirmed, the prosecution may seek another adjournment. At the previous hearing on March 17, the trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, expressed concern over the repeated delays in the case. He directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure the appearance of its principal witness at the next sitting, warning of possible consequences for further setbacks. Legal observers note that the court has already granted several adjournments beyond what is typically expected, raising concerns about the pace of the proceedings. A judicial source also revealed that the prosecution had earlier considered presenting a police officer as a witness but later dropped the plan, reportedly due to concerns over the credibility and strength of such evidence in a high-profile case. Meanwhile, EFCC officials are said to be in contact with Obazee, who remains willing to testify once properly notified through legal channels. However, it remains unclear whether the prosecution will comply with the court’s directive at the next hearing or request yet another postponement.