The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the death of a 40-year-old Nigerian, Benjamin Okoli, who reportedly died in police custody.
Okoli’s death comes less than a month after the alleged killing of another Nigerian, 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye, under similar circumstances on January 13.
NICASA President-General, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, described the repeated loss of Nigerians in police custody as unbearable.
According to him, Okoli, a native of Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra, was stopped and searched by police officers before being taken to his house for further inspection. Despite finding nothing, the officers allegedly tortured and brutalised him until he fell into a coma. His brother’s efforts to revive him failed while the police reportedly stood by and watched. Paramedics later pronounced him dead.
Onyekwelu noted that Okoye’s death was still under investigation when Okoli died, 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,” he stated.
NICASA has called on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to ensure justice is served. The group has also informed the Nigerian Missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg about the incidents, urging authorities to take action.
While condemning the killings, Onyekwelu appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their daily activities peacefully.
