
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has decried the alleged killing of Jeremiah Okoye, a 50-year-old Nigerian man, while in the custody of the South African police. The incident, which occurred in Limpopo Province on January 13, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
Okoye, originally from Eziniffite Nnewi in Anambra State, had lived in South Africa for 22 years, residing at No. 71 Magazyn Street in Polokwane. According to NICASA President-General Frank Onyekwelu, who spoke to journalists during a telephone interview on Friday, investigations are underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic death.
“We call on the police authorities to uphold the rule of law in their operations,” Onyekwelu stated, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He stressed the importance of justice for Okoye and highlighted the growing concerns over recurring cases of police brutality involving Nigerians in South Africa.
In the wake of the incident, NICASA has alerted the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa. The organization has also reached out to Okoye’s family and friends in Limpopo, expressing solidarity and promising to advocate for a thorough investigation.
“Nigerians in South Africa reject police brutality and killings. Our lives matter; our nationality should not be criminalized,” Onyekwelu emphasized. He urged Nigerians living in the country to remain law-abiding and to allow the authorities to carry out their investigation.
Onyekwelu also voiced concerns that Okoye’s death could add to the alarming number of Nigerians who have died in police custody in South Africa. He warned that if such incidents remain unchecked, they could escalate into a dangerous trend.
The Nigerian community’s call for justice resonates strongly as they demand accountability and measures to prevent future occurrences. NICASA’s leadership has vowed to monitor the investigation closely and ensure that the death of Jeremiah Okoye does not fade into obscurity.
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