The family of Daniel Yedzimai, a staff member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Adamawa State, is demanding answers over his death and burial after discovering that he was laid to rest without the involvement of his immediate relatives.
The controversy has also led to the arrest of a woman, Elizabeth Andrew, as the Adamawa State Police Command investigates the circumstances surrounding his death and the handling of his personal belongings.
Police spokesperson, CSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, confirmed that officers arrested Andrew on November 3, 2026. He said investigators were questioning her at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The family reportedly became suspicious after learning that Yedzimai had been buried on October 10, despite earlier assurances that his body would be taken to a mortuary.
His younger brother, Sunday Marye Daniel, said he travelled to Yola after receiving news of the death but discovered that the burial had already taken place.
He questioned why the family had not been informed or allowed to participate in the burial arrangements.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding the death raised further concerns because his brother had reportedly appeared healthy earlier that day.
Family Raises Questions Over WHO Staff’s Properties
The dispute reportedly intensified after disagreements emerged over Yedzimai’s belongings following his burial.
The family raised concerns about his houses, Mercedes-Benz vehicle, mobile phones and other personal possessions.
They also alleged that Andrew took possession of some of the deceased’s property, including his vehicle, ATM card, mobile phone and other valuables.
However, the allegations remain under police investigation.
Yedzimai’s wife, Laraba Daniel, also rejected suggestions that their marriage had ended before his death.
She said they had been married for 23 years and maintained that their relationship remained intact until he died.
Laraba explained that she was in Kaduna at the time of the incident, where she had travelled to care for her sick father.
Adamawa Police Begin Investigation Into Death
Nguroje said the police began investigating after receiving a formal complaint from Yedzimai’s relatives.
He explained that the Commissioner of Police had ordered a discreet investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and determine how the deceased’s belongings were handled.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the CID is leading the investigation.
The police spokesperson assured the family that investigators would examine all allegations connected to the matter.
Andrew remains in police custody as inquiries continue. The command has yet to announce the findings of its investigation or establish whether anyone committed an offence in connection with Yedzimai’s death and burial.