The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the reported killing of Jeremiah Okoye, a 50-year-old Nigerian national, by South African police while in detention.
Okoye, who hailed from Eziniffite Nnewi, Anambra State, was said to have passed away on January 13 during his detention in Limpopo Province.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, NICASA President-General, Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, confirmed that investigations are underway to clarify the circumstances surrounding Okoye’s death.
“We urge police authorities to respect the rule of law while carrying out their responsibilities,” Onyekwelu said.
Okoye had been living in South Africa for 22 years, residing at 71 Magazyn Street in Polokwane, Limpopo. NICASA has notified the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa, as well as contacted Okoye’s family and friends in Limpopo.
“Nigerians in South Africa strongly oppose police brutality and killings, and we demand justice for Okoye,” Onyekwelu stated. “Our lives matter, and nationality is not a crime. We urge all our citizens to remain law-abiding and cooperate with the authorities as they work to fully investigate the circumstances of Okoye’s death.”
Onyekwelu also voiced concern over the growing number of Nigerian deaths in South African police custody, calling it an alarming issue that must be urgently addressed.
“We hope Okoye’s death will not simply become another statistic. If left unchallenged, such deaths could become a dangerous pattern. May his soul rest in peace,” he concluded.
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