South African Police Brutality on Nigerians Sparks Outrage
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has strongly condemned the tragic death of a 40-year-old Nigerian, Benjamin Okoli, who reportedly died while in South African police custody.
This unfortunate incident comes less than a month after NICASA denounced the death of another Nigerian, Jeremiah Okoye, a 50-year-old man who also died in police custody on January 13.
NICASA Decries Rising Deaths of Nigerians in Police Custody
Speaking in a midnight interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), NICASA’s President-General, Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, described the recurrent deaths of Nigerians in South Africa as “unbearable” and deeply alarming.
Okoli, originally from Akpu, Orumba South in Anambra State, is survived by his wife and child.
“The Nigerian community in South Africa is mourning yet another painful loss due to police brutality. Okoli was stopped, searched, and later taken to his residence for further inspection along with his brother,” Onyekwelu stated.
Despite finding nothing incriminating, the police officers allegedly tortured, beat, and brutalized both men. The excessive force proved fatal as Okoli collapsed into a coma. His brother’s desperate attempts to revive him were unsuccessful while the officers reportedly stood by and watched. Paramedics later arrived and pronounced him dead.
Same Police Unit Accused in Both Deaths
Onyekwelu revealed that Okoye’s death was still under investigation when Okoli died under similar circumstances, allegedly at the hands of the same police unit.
“This is the same group of officers linked to Okoye’s killing. Now, two Nigerians have died in police custody within a month, raising serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa,” he added.
NICASA leaders in Limpopo expressed distress over the disturbing pattern of targeted brutality against Nigerians. The association is calling for a swift and impartial investigation.
Calls for Justice and Government Intervention
NICASA has formally reported both incidents to the Nigerian Missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg, urging immediate action to prevent further deaths.
“We demand that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) thoroughly investigates these gruesome killings and ensures that those responsible face justice,” Onyekwelu stated firmly.
Despite the rising concerns, NICASA has urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their daily activities peacefully while awaiting further action from the authorities.
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