Winnie Akakue Death: Family Alleges Cover-Up, Demands Justice as Rivers Govt Shuts Wisdom Gate School

The death of two-year-old Winnie Akakue at Wisdom Gate International School, Campus 1, Eligbolo, on March 17, 2026, has continued to generate intense grief and public outrage, with her family demanding accountability and clarity over the circumstances surrounding the incident.

PulseNets learnt that the bereaved family has raised concerns over what they describe as a compromised investigation, alleging bias in how law enforcement authorities are handling the case.

Father’s Account of the Incident

Winnie’s father, Dr Iasuaka Akakue, detailed the sequence of events leading to the tragic loss, insisting that several unanswered questions remain.

He explained that the school initially informed the family that the child had been asleep in her classroom when a bookshelf reportedly fell on her.

PulseNets reported that a preliminary verbal briefing from the pathologist suggested the toddler sustained a fractured skull.

Akakue further disclosed that the family was only contacted after the school had already moved the child between two medical facilities.

At the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), doctors allegedly confirmed that the child was brought in dead.

He also claimed that the scene of the incident had been altered before any independent examination, alleging that the bookshelf was repositioned and the environment cleaned.

According to him, there were also attempts by certain individuals to pressure the family into agreeing to a quick burial and an out-of-court settlement.

He added, “I’m aware the said AIG has continued to mount pressure from wherever he is. On Thursday, I was told the detained had been released.

“While we grieve and in our pain, we found the attitude of the school very disturbing, because they’ve been using proxies, highly placed persons to try to pressure me.

“At this point, I don’t know how safe I am, but, all I want to ask is justice for my daughter, to at least, be able to lay her to rest, knowing actually what killed her.

“No thorough investigation has been made on the matter, everything has been about suppressing the matter, hoping that we would be able to reach a resolution.”

Concerns Over Autopsy Report and Police Process

Akakue also disputed police claims that the family failed to request the autopsy report, maintaining that authorities had assured them they would be notified once it was ready.

PulseNets learnt that attempts by the family to obtain the report yielded no clarity, despite confirmation from police that it had been received.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the investigation, alleging that officials appeared more interested in a swift resolution than establishing the full facts.

He added, “On Tuesday, when they invited us, they were only hammering on the idea of having a quick resolution.

“Like I said, we have made that point clear and that we want to head to court. The claims of having gone to the first hospital, did the baby come there alive? Did she leave there alive? All of that we are not aware of.

“The body language does not suggest any proper investigation has been done. And so, we are just now waiting for the police to finish their processes so that we head to court.”

PulseNets reported that the family is now preparing to pursue legal action.

Mother’s Account and Family Impact

Winnie’s mother, Mrs Chinyere Akakue, recounted receiving conflicting information from the school shortly after the incident.

She stated that an initial call suggested her daughter was still alive, only for her to arrive and face a different reality.

She said, “When I got there, a lot of persons were on ground already. I was wondering, why the crowd? I still didn’t realize what was happening, until one of the teachers took me down to where she was lying on the couch unattended to, nobody was answering me.

“They now took me to the corner and started asking me, madam, how many children do you have. At that point, I just knew it was just all over.

“I went close to my baby. I looked at her, I felt her, she was already cold.”

Reflecting on the emotional toll, she added, “It’s been three whole weeks without my child. A child that I slept with on the same bed before letting her go to school in the morning.

“Three whole weeks I’ve been expecting her to come back home, and she’s not been coming back home. She’s not there in the house.

“Her siblings, everybody is worried. Of course, they heard from school, they lied to them too that Winnie was at home. When they got home, Winnie was not in the house.

“When we finally got home that night, they were asking where Winnie was? Winnie was not there. They all started crying when I told them what had happened.”

Calls for Investigation and Accountability

PulseNets learnt that legal practitioner and activist, Chetam Nwala, has called for decisive regulatory action, including the temporary shutdown of the school pending a thorough and transparent investigation.

He stressed the importance of due diligence and accountability by law enforcement agencies.

School’s Official Response

The management of Wisdom Gate International School expressed grief over the incident, describing it as deeply tragic.

In a statement obtained by PulseNets, the school extended condolences to the family and stated that immediate medical intervention was sought.

The institution maintained that it promptly reported the incident and has continued to cooperate with authorities to ensure transparency.

It reassured parents that pupil safety remains its top priority, adding that internal reviews are ongoing to strengthen safety measures.

Management also insisted that no information has been withheld from investigators.

Government Directive and Regulatory Action

PulseNets reported that the Rivers State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Wisdom Gate International School, Campus 1, Eligbolo.

The Ministry of Education, in a statement dated April 20, said it conducted an independent review after engaging the school’s management.

While extending condolences, the government urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to respect the family’s privacy.

Authorities confirmed the school will remain shut until all concerns are addressed.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing strict safety and quality standards across schools in the state.

Appeals for Reopening Amid Ongoing Grief

PulseNets learnt that despite the ongoing investigation, the school’s management and several stakeholders have appealed for a reconsideration of the closure, citing its broader impact.

They argued that the suspension of academic activities has disrupted learning and placed additional pressure on families.

The proprietress, Toyon Obikoya, acknowledged the government’s authority while appealing for leniency.

She stated, “The children in Wisdom Gate International School are our children. We see that our commissioner is a father, he is our grandfather in this institution. That’s why we are calling on him. He has the right to suspend activities for now.

“But we are telling him that he should please show us mercy because other children’s education is equally at stake.

“The parents are calling but because we are a law-abiding institution, we can’t do otherwise.

“But these children, where do we turn them to? The period they were writing the exam was when this incident happened, and so we had to close the school.

“We are crying out that the people should please intercede and see all children as theirs.”

She further explained that efforts were made to reach the family through appropriate channels, including religious and community leaders.

She said, “The family demanded that we speak to them through their lawyer and so on. Knowing this, we moved to his hometown in Tai, Ogoni kingdom, to reach the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese, who led us to the grandparents of our dear pupil.

“And we reported the incident that happened and shared our sincere empathy with the family and then we left.

“Afterwards, the management of the school equally travelled to Etche to see the Bishop. Why we did all of these is just to see how we can reach the family, not to intimidate or to show pomposity.”

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Obikoya maintained that the case is now before the police and assured that the school will not interfere with investigations.

Some parents also echoed the appeal, citing emotional and financial strain.

One parent, Cynthia, said, “It’s really heartbreaking. I’ve lost a child, so I understand the pain the parents are going through.

“There is nothing we can do to bring back the child but we are pleading for empathy, for a little compassion, because we, parents, it’s really difficult for us. Wisdom Gate, they’ve been good academically, morally.

“Please have mercy on behalf of my co-parents. It’s difficult for us. We are confused. Most of us are not sleeping well. Like me, my blood pressure is rising.”