The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the death of 40-year-old Nigerian national Benjamin Okoli, who reportedly died while in police custody.
Okoli’s death comes less than a month after NICASA also denounced 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 continued deaths of Nigerians in South Africa as “unbearable.”
“The Nigerian community in South Africa is mourning yet another tragic loss in police custody. Okoli, originally from Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra, was stopped, searched, and then taken to his home along with his brother for further inspection,” Onyekwelu said.
According to Onyekwelu, despite finding nothing incriminating, police officers allegedly tortured and brutally assaulted the two brothers. Okoli reportedly fell into a coma due to the severe beating, while his brother’s desperate attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
“The police stood by and did nothing as Okoli’s life slipped away. Paramedics arrived later and pronounced him dead,” Onyekwelu added.
NICASA expressed deep concern that Okoli’s death occurred while investigations were still ongoing into Okoye’s death, allegedly at the hands of the same police unit.
“This is the same group of officers accused of killing Okoye. Now, within a month, two Nigerians have died in police custody,” Onyekwelu stated.
NICASA leaders in Limpopo Province have voiced alarm over what they describe as a troubling pattern of Nigerian nationals being targeted.
“We urge the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to ensure that those responsible for these gruesome deaths are held accountable,” Onyekwelu said.
The association has reported the incident to the Nigerian Missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg and is advocating for diplomatic intervention to prevent further tragedies.
“We appeal to our nationals to remain calm, law-abiding, and go about their daily activities peacefully,” Onyekwelu added.
