Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the death of 40-year-old Benjamin Okoli in police custody, less than a month after another Nigerian, 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye, died in similar circumstances.
NICASA President-General, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, described the deaths as unbearable, stating that Okoli, from Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra, was stopped and searched by police officers before being taken home for further inspection.
“In spite of finding nothing, the officers tortured, beat, and brutalised them. Okoli couldn’t withstand the assault and fell into a coma,” he said.
“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 noted that investigations into Okoye’s death were still ongoing when Okoli died in the hands of the same police unit.
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“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 stated.
NICASA has reported the deaths to the Nigerian Missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg and urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to bring those responsible to justice.
“We appeal to our nationals to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their daily activities peacefully,” Onyekwelu added.