A shocking incident has unfolded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where a woman named Gift (also identified as Adaeze) and her three young children were allegedly intercepted and detained by police. The family claims the action was instigated by her estranged husband after she decided to leave the marriage, leading to accusations of unlawful detention and inhumane treatment.
The ordeal began after Gift informed relatives that she was no longer willing to remain in the union. She reportedly traveled from Enugu to Abuja to seek refuge with a cousin. However, upon landing, she was allegedly stopped by individuals claiming to be “Airport Crime Watch” operatives—one of whom was reportedly recognized as a friend of her husband.
She and her children—aged five, four, and one year and six months—were subsequently moved to the Airport Police Division.
According to relatives, when lawyers attempted to secure her release, police officers cited a petition filed by the husband, Chukwudi. The petition reportedly accused Gift of stealing money ($500) and land documents and planning to travel abroad with the children. Relatives described these accusations as a pretext for the unlawful arrest, stressing that she was only seeking a divorce.
The family’s efforts to post bail were allegedly blocked. Sources claim the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) stated he needed clearance from the Commissioner of Police (CP), who is purportedly a personal friend of the husband. A source quoted the CP as insisting, “She must sleep in the station.”
A family member shared distressing visuals of the woman and the three minors, including a sick toddler, lying on a bare carpet on the floor of the police station. The relative, expressing fury at the situation, publicly lamented the conditions, saying they were being treated “as if they are common criminals and animals.”
Furthermore, family sources revealed a plan by the husband and authorities to transfer Gift and the children to Anambra State, where he allegedly possesses greater influence over the police commissioner. Gift’s family emphasized they have no relatives in Anambra, raising fears that this move is intended to further isolate and pressure her.
When contacted, the husband, Chukwudi, defended his actions by stating he was merely looking for his family after his wife left without his knowledge in the early hours of the morning.
“If she wants to leave the marriage because she is no longer in love with me, no problem. I’m not disputing that. But let’s discuss it properly,” he said, while confirming that he was responsible for involving law enforcement.
Despite the fact that the youngest child fell ill during the detention, and doctors at the Air Force Base Hospital confirmed unstable vitals, the police have allegedly refused to release the family.
Relatives are calling for immediate intervention from the Inspector-General of Police, human rights groups, and the Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure accountability and secure the release of Gift and her children, stressing that no crime has been committed to justify their ongoing detention.
