Benjamin Okoli, a 40-year-old Nigerian, has lost his life while being held in custody by South African police.
His death has been condemned by the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), which also condemned the death of another Nigerian, 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye, while in police custody about a month ago.
Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, NICASA’s President-General, described the recurring deaths of Nigerians in South Africa as “unbearable.”
Onyekwelu said, “The Nigerian community in South Africa is mourning yet another loss in police custody. Okoli, from Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra, was stopped, searched, and taken to his house with his brother for further inspection.
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He alleged that despite finding nothing incriminating, the officers tortured, beat, and brutalized the two brothers. Okoli reportedly fell into a coma due to the severe assault while his brother’s desperate attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
“The police stood by and watched as Okoli’s life slipped away. Paramedics later arrived and pronounced him dead.”
The association, NICASA, was still trying to mourn and investigate Okoye’s death before the unfortunate demise of Okoli.
“This is the same group of officers accused of killing Okoye. Now, two Nigerians have died in police custody in less than a month.
“We call on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, IPID, to ensure the officers responsible for these gruesome deaths are brought to justice.
“We appeal to our nationals to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their daily activities peacefully.”
The association has informed the Nigerian missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg about the incident and is pushing for diplomatic intervention to prevent further killings.
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