Outrage as another Nigerian man dies in South African police custody

The Nigerian community in South Africa is reeling from the death of 40-year-old Benjamin Okoli, who died while in police custody, less than a month after the controversial death of another Nigerian, Jeremiah Okoye.

The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has strongly condemned Okoli’s death, describing it as part of a disturbing pattern involving Nigerian nationals and local law enforcement. NICASA President-General, Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, expressed deep concern over the recurring incidents during a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.

“The Nigerian community in South Africa is mourning yet another loss in police custody,” Onyekwelu said.

Okoli, originally from Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra State, is survived by his wife and child. According to NICASA, he was stopped and searched by police officers before being taken to his residence alongside his brother for further inspection. Despite finding no incriminating evidence, the officers allegedly assaulted both men.

“In spite of finding nothing, the officers tortured, beat, and brutalised them. Okoli couldn’t withstand the assault and fell into a coma,” Onyekwelu revealed.

Efforts by Okoli’s brother to revive him reportedly failed while the officers looked on. Paramedics later arrived at the scene and pronounced him dead.

Adding to the alarm, Onyekwelu noted that Okoli’s death occurred while investigations were still ongoing into the case of 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye, who also died in police custody on January 13 under similar circumstances.

“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 leaders in Limpopo Province are grappling with what appears to be a troubling trend of police brutality disproportionately affecting Nigerians. The association has called on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to launch a thorough investigation and hold the officers involved accountable.

“We call on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to ensure the officers responsible for these gruesome deaths are brought to justice,” Onyekwelu urged.

NICASA has notified the Nigerian diplomatic missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg, seeking intervention to prevent further incidents. Meanwhile, the organization has appealed for calm within the Nigerian community.

“We appeal to our nationals to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their daily activities peacefully,” Onyekwelu advised.