The Nigeria Police Force has declared two men wanted in connection with the disappearance of a 26-year-old woman who returned to Lagos from Dubai in June.
The woman, Chukwunyere Esther Chinaza, is from Imo State. According to her family, she came back to Nigeria on June 18 with a male friend based in South Africa and has not been seen since June 22.
In a Special Police Gazette Bulletin released on August 12, 2026, police said Chinaza was last seen around the Shoreline area of Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos. Her last known address was listed as Horizon Estate, Ikate, Lagos. The bulletin describes her as fair-skinned, of tall to average height, and Igbo.
Police are investigating the case as conspiracy and murder. They have asked anyone with information on Chinaza, whether dead or alive, to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, at Panti, Yaba, Lagos.
Chinaza’s brother told SaharaReporters the family raised the alarm after losing contact with her. He alleged that the friend lured her from Dubai to Lagos, and that since June 21 the family has had no trace of her.
“We have not seen her or her body,” he said. “The only problem here is that I’m not seeing my sister. Whether dead or alive. That is the problem.”
He also said the family is worried about the slow pace of the investigation and wants police to do more.
According to the police bulletin, the two men declared wanted are:
- Ajibola Obateru, 33. Described as Yoruba, about 5.9ft tall, thin, fair-skinned with an oval face. Last known address: Ajoda New Town, Ibadan, Oyo State. Police allege he conspired with others to attack Chinaza, took her body and stole her belongings at Banana Island.
- Folawiyo Balogun Alagbado, 32. Described as Yoruba, average height, dark complexion. Last known address: also Ajoda New Town, Ibadan, Oyo State. Police allege he conspired with others to attack Chinaza, kill her, move her body to an unknown location and take her belongings.
Police said another suspect, identified only as Hakeem, is currently in custody at SCID Panti in connection with the case.
The circumstances around Chinaza’s disappearance remain under investigation. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any useful information to the nearest police station or to SCID Panti.
