The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, NICASA has condemned the death of a 40-year-old Nigerian, Benjamin Okoli, who reportedly died while in police custody.
Okoli’s tragic death comes less than a month after NICASA also condemned the alleged killing of another Nigerian, 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye, in police custody on January 13.
Speaking to journalists, NICASA President-General, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, described the recurring deaths of Nigerians in South Africa as “unbearable.”
“The Nigerian community in South Africa is mourning yet another loss in police custody. Okoli, from Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra, was stopped, searched and taken to his house with his brother for further inspection,” Onyekwelu said.
He alleged that despite finding nothing incriminating, the officers tortured, beat, and brutalized the two brothers. Okoli reportedly fell into a coma due to the severe assault while his brother’s desperate attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
“The police stood by and watched as Okoli’s life slipped away. Paramedics later arrived and pronounced him dead,” Onyekwelu added.
NICASA expressed further concern that Okoli’s death occurred while investigations were still ongoing into the death of Okoye, allegedly at the hands of the same police unit.
“This is the same group of officers accused of killing Okoye. Now, two Nigerians have died in police custody in less than a month,” Onyekwelu stated.
NICASA leaders in Limpopo Province say they are deeply troubled by what they see as a disturbing pattern of Nigerian nationals being targeted.
“We call on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, IPID, to ensure the officers responsible for these gruesome deaths are brought to justice,” Onyekwelu urged.
The association has informed the Nigerian Missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg about the incident and is pushing for diplomatic intervention to prevent further killings.
“We appeal to our nationals to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their daily activities peacefully,” Onyekwelu added.
