Nigerian-born award-winning novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, has debunked claims that she was related to a lady, Nkiru Okoye, who was murdered in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State by her brother-in-law.

Mrs Okoye was beaten to death by her husband’s brother, George Okoye, over the ownership of some disputed property.

In a statement on Sunday evening, Chimamanda’s team said the “lady in the story is neither Chimamanda’s sister nor a relative”.

“Chimamanda is very shaken by this incorrect news and is disappointed at the unprofessionalism displayed by The Frontier, both with the first false post and the inaccurate rejoinder,” said Omawumi Ogbe, a member of Chimamanda’s communications team.

“We send our sympathy to the family of the murdered lady,” Ogbe added.