Another Nigerian Dies In South African Police Custody
Another Nigerian, Benjamin Okoli, has died in South African police custody, less than a month after the alleged killing of 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye.
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the incident, describing the deaths as unacceptable.
NICASA President-General, Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, stated, “The Nigerian community in South Africa is mourning yet another loss in police custody.”
Okoli, a 40-year-old man from Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra, was reportedly stopped and searched by police officers before being taken to his house with his brother for further inspection.
Despite finding nothing incriminating, the officers allegedly tortured and brutalised both men.
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“In spite of finding nothing, the officers tortured, beat, and brutalised them. Okoli could not withstand the assault and fell into a coma.
“His brother’s attempts to revive him failed while the police stood by and watched as Okoli’s life slipped away. Paramedics later pronounced him dead,” Onyekwelu said.
The incident occurred while investigations into Okoye’s death on 13 January were still ongoing.
Onyekwelu noted that the same police unit accused of killing Okoye was allegedly responsible for Okoli’s death.
“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 said.
NICASA has called on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The association has also informed the Nigerian Missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg while urging Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
