Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the alleged killing of 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye while in police custody in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Okoye, a native of Ezinifite Nnewi in Anambra State, reportedly died on January 13 while detained. NICASA President-General, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that investigations were ongoing to uncover the circumstances of the death.
“We implore the police authorities to follow the rule of law in discharging their constitutional duties,” Onyekwelu stated.
Okoye, who had lived in South Africa for 22 years, resided at No. 71 Magazyn Street, Polokwane, Limpopo Province. NICASA said it had informed the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa, as well as contacted Okoye’s family and friends about the incident.
“Nigerian citizens in South Africa say no to police brutality and killings and demand justice for the late Okoye,” Onyekwelu said. He further stressed, “Our lives matter; nationality is not criminality.”
The NICASA president urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding while authorities investigate the case.
Onyekwelu expressed concern about the recurring deaths of Nigerians in police custody in South Africa.
“The death of Nigerians in South Africa, particularly under police custody, has become a recurring issue that needs to be stopped,” he said.
He added, “We fear that these recurring deaths of Nigerians in police custody, if unchecked, will become a dangerous pattern. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”