Another Nigerian dies in South African police custody

The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a 40-year-old Nigerian, Benjamin Okoli, who passed away while in police custody.

Okoli’s tragic demise comes less than a month after NICASA condemned the death of another Nigerian, 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye, who also died in police detention on January 13.

Speaking on the distressing situation, NICASA’s President-General, Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, described the repeated loss of Nigerian lives in South Africa as unbearable.

The deceased, a native of Akpu in the Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, is survived by his wife and child.

Dr. Onyekwelu recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating, “Okoli was stopped and searched by police officers before being taken to his residence with his brother for further inspection. Despite finding no incriminating evidence, the officers subjected them to brutal torture. Unable to withstand the assault, Okoli collapsed into a coma. His brother’s attempts to revive him proved futile while the officers stood by. Paramedics later arrived and pronounced him dead.”

He further noted that an investigation was still ongoing into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Okoye’s death when Okoli suffered a similar fate, allegedly at the hands of the same police unit.

“This is the same group of officers accused of killing Okoye. Now, in less than a month, two Nigerians have lost their lives in police custody,” he lamented.

According to Dr. Onyekwelu, NICASA leaders in Limpopo are grappling with the alarming pattern of targeted brutality against Nigerians in the province.

He urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to ensure that those responsible for these deaths are held accountable.

NICASA has also alerted the Nigerian Missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg to the distressing incidents, hoping that urgent diplomatic intervention will help prevent further tragedies.

In his appeal to Nigerians in South Africa, Dr. Onyekwelu called for calm and encouraged the community to remain law-abiding while authorities pursue justice.