Nigerians in South Africa demand justice as compatriot dies in police custody
A demonstrator holds a sign during a protest against xenophobia outside South African High Commission in Abuja on September 5, 2019. KOLA SULAIMON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the tragic death of 40-year-old Benjamin Okoli in police custody.
His passing follows closely on the heels of the alleged killing of another Nigerian, 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye, who also died in police custody on January 13.
Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, NICASA’s President-General, described the repeated deaths of Nigerians in South Africa as unbearable during a midnight interview with NAN. Okoli, a native of Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra, leaves behind his wife and child.
“The Nigerian community in South Africa is mourning yet another loss in police custody,” Onyekwelu lamented. He detailed how Okoli was stopped, searched, and taken home for further inspection alongside his brother. “In spite of finding nothing, the officers tortured, beat, and brutalised them. Okoli couldn’t withstand the assault and fell into a coma.”
His brother’s desperate attempts to revive him proved futile as the police allegedly stood by, watching his life slip away. Paramedics later confirmed his death.
Onyekwelu expressed deep concern that Okoye’s death was still under investigation when Okoli met a similar fate—at the hands of the same police unit. “Now, two Nigerians have died in police custody in less than a month,” he stated.
NICASA has urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to ensure justice is served, while calling on Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding amidst these unsettling developments.
