The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has strongly condemned the death of 40-year-old Nigerian citizen Benjamin Okoli while in police custody, marking yet another tragic loss within a month.
Okoli’s demise follows the controversial death of 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye, who also passed away under police detention on January 13. The recurring fatalities have sparked outrage within the Nigerian community in South Africa.
Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, President-General of NICASA, described the situation as intolerable in a late-night telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
Originally from Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra State, Okoli is survived by his wife and child.
“The Nigerian community in South Africa is once again grieving the loss of one of its own due to police brutality,” Onyekwelu stated.
According to reports, Okoli was stopped and searched by police officers before being taken to his residence, accompanied by his brother, for further inspection. Despite not finding any incriminating evidence, the officers allegedly subjected both men to severe beatings.
“Okoli suffered brutal torture at the hands of the police, eventually collapsing into a coma,” Onyekwelu said.
His brother’s desperate attempts to revive him reportedly failed while the officers allegedly stood by without intervening. Paramedics later arrived and confirmed Okoli’s death.
NICASA has raised concerns that Okoli’s death is eerily similar to Okoye’s, as both incidents allegedly involved the same police unit.
“This is the same unit accused of killing Okoye. Now, another Nigerian has died in similar circumstances within weeks,” Onyekwelu emphasized.
Leaders of NICASA in Limpopo have expressed distress over what they perceive as a disturbing trend of Nigerians being disproportionately targeted in the province.
NICASA has called on South Africa’s Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“We urge the authorities to bring the officers responsible to justice and put an end to these unjustified killings,” Onyekwelu demanded.
The Nigerian Missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg have been informed of these troubling events, and NICASA remains hopeful that concrete steps will be taken to prevent further loss of Nigerian lives.
Meanwhile, Onyekwelu has urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and continue their daily activities peacefully despite growing concerns.
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