Definitely, all is not well in the family of a retired Deputy Director at the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Mr Duncan Eradiri, as his children from his first marriage has raise the alarm over the deteriorating health of their father.
According to the family, their step mother Mrs Grace Izonebi Eradiri has allegedly subjected Mr. Eradiri to severe neglect, leaving him in deplorable conditions and isolated from his loved ones.
Mr. Eradiri, a native of Agudama-Ekpetiama in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, who retired in 2012 with huge financial benefits in addition to health care benefits from his former employers is said to frequently claims to have no money and reports financial distress, which is inconsistent with his known entitlements.
Curiously Grace, who got married to Eradiri about nine years ago, it was gathered has refused the children of the septuagenarian access to their father and family house, just as she has been accused of selling of the properties of Eradiri who is now bedridden.
In her bid not to allow any of the children close to their aged father she allegedly conspired with two northerner to impersonate as police officers from the State CID to allegedly abduct her husband’s son Ineyeomo Henry Eradiri to an unknown destination
An attempt which was foiled by officers and men of the Anti Kidnapping Unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command.
One of the children, Mr. Ineyeomo Henry Eradiri, lamented that their father who is heavily medicated with psychosis drugs that leave him confused and vulnerable, is often left unbathed for days.
Ineyeomo Eradiri, who stayed with him recently, said he was shocked to find his father in a state that he described as smelling like a dead body due to the lack of proper care, regretted that instead of ensuring his hygiene, Grace allegedly uses traditional head ties, known as gele, as makeshift bedding to absorb the mess, only to discard them without addressing the root issue.
Ineyeomo, who documented these conditions through videos and photos, said he witnessed firsthand how his father was isolated and mistreated, adding that despite his efforts to care for his father, Grace allegedly resorted to using intimidation tactics to remove him from the home.
He said: “On one occasion, she locked me inside the house overnight, threatening to bring the police to forcefully remove me the next day. The situation escalated when individuals allegedly impersonating state CID officers arrived at the residence. These individuals, rather than providing any legitimate assistance, used physical force to eject me from the house and then locked me out, leaving me distressed and helpless.”
The Eradiri family is calling on the Nigerian Police and the broader community to take immediate action.
They are demanding a thorough investigation into the impersonation of law enforcement and the gross neglect of their father. The family stresses that no individual should have the power to manipulate the system and use fear and intimidation to isolate and mistreat a vulnerable elder.
The Eradiris have filed a petition and urge the authorities to hold Grace accountable, ensuring that those who impersonated the police are brought to justice. They are determined to see that their father’s dignity is restored and that no other family has to endure such a painful ordeal.
The petition and requested legal actions said: “I respectfully request that the appropriate legal and investigative bodies:to initiate a formal investigation into the financial transactions, property transfers, and changes to account access and estate documents involving Mr. Eradiri.
“Assess the validity of consent in authorizing Mrs. Eradiri as a signatory and in drafting or revising the will. Secure an independent medical and psychological evaluation of Mr. Eradiri’s current capacity to make legal and financial decisions.
“Establish temporary safeguards (e.g., court-appointed trustee, elder care supervision, freezing of assets) to protect Mr. Eradiri’s remaining estate and ensure his medical and personal well-being.
“This report is submitted in good faith, with the sole intent of protecting a vulnerable senior citizen from further harm. I am available to provide supporting documentation, witness statements, or additional clarification as required.”
According to the Eradiri family, the summary of key concerns include: “Withdrawal of financial support to legal heirs after marrying Mrs. Grace Izonebi Eradiri, Mr. Eradiri abruptly ceased financial support to his children, including the suspension of funding for a son studying abroad. This deviates from his longstanding pattern of financial responsibility toward his family.
“Rapid Depletion of Retirement Funds and Sale of Assets..Mr. Eradiri has sold several properties and expended significant portions of his retirement savings. A house reportedly valued at ₦200 million was constructed, and Mrs. Grace Izonebi Eradiri claims ownership. There is no transparent documentation provided to the heirs regarding these transactions.
“Unusual Authorization of Financial Access
Mrs. Eradiri has become a signatory on Mr. Eradiri’s bank accounts, a level of access he previously denied to all others, including his late wife, even during medical incapacitation. The decision to grant her this access is inconsistent with his prior conduct and warrants legal review.
“Potential Undue Influence in Will and Estate Planning..There are indications that Mr. Eradiri’s testamentary decisions—including provisions in his will—may have been made under pressure or diminished capacity. He currently experiences memory issues, raising doubts about his legal and mental competence at the time key documents were executed.
“Signs of Medical Neglect and Unexplained Injuries. Mr. Eradiri’s health is deteriorating, with documented cases of sepsis, prostate complications, and a serious shoulder injury he has no memory of sustaining. These incidents mostly occur at night, yet Mrs. Eradiri opposes hiring a night nurse or home care professional, raising red flags regarding proper elder care.
“Social Isolation and Control of Communication. Mr. Eradiri has been increasingly isolated from his children and relatives. Mrs. Eradiri controls access to him and disseminates narratives alleging that his children are neglectful, while controlling his financial and medical decisions. This isolation undermines independent support or intervention.
“Pattern of Property Sales and Asset Conversion. Several properties formerly owned by Mr. Eradiri have been sold, with proceeds unaccounted for or diverted toward the benefit of Mrs. Eradiri. Whenever he complains about being broke, the recommendation is always to “sell more,” creating a consistent pattern of liquidation without accountability.”
Attempts to contact Mrs Eradiri was not fruitful at the time of going to the press.
