A Nigerian human rights lawyer, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Federal Government, Swiss authorities, and international human rights bodies to launch a full investigation into the tragic killing of Michael Kenechukwu Ekemezie, a 39-year-old Nigerian man, in Switzerland.
Ekemezie, who hailed from Awka North in Anambra State, reportedly died on May 25, 2025, during a violent encounter with Swiss police officers in Lausanne. A viral video that surfaced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) shows Ekemezie handcuffed and pinned to the ground by a police officer while crying out in pain and pleading, “You’re hurting me.”
In a strongly-worded statement released on Friday, Ejiofor described the incident as “tragic and deeply troubling,” and called for an independent and transparent investigation. He demanded the immediate suspension and arrest of all officers involved, and the public disclosure of their identities.
Ejiofor criticized what he called a “deafening silence” from the international community and media, especially when compared to the global outcry that followed the 2020 killing of George Floyd in the United States.
“Just like Floyd, Michael was pinned face-down, restrained with force, and died while pleading for help. He was ignored, unheard, and left lifeless,” Ejiofor said. “This is not just about one man. It is about the dignity of every Nigerian and African living abroad.”
The incident, which occurred exactly five years after George Floyd’s death, has drawn attention for its similarities. Floyd’s murder by a US police officer sparked worldwide protests and pushed police brutality and racial injustice into global headlines. However, Ekemezie’s death has received little attention from major international news networks.
“What is painful is not only the brutal killing of Mr. Ekemezie, but also the global silence that has followed it,” Ejiofor said. “This suggests that African lives can be taken without consequence.”
According to Ejiofor, many Nigerians and Africans in Switzerland have taken to the streets in protest, demanding accountability. However, the response from Swiss authorities has been slow and lacking in transparency.
Ejiofor revealed that a legal team, acting on behalf of Ekemezie’s family, has submitted a formal petition to the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria. The petition calls for the arrest and prosecution of the officers involved, an official apology, compensation for the family, and reforms to prevent future abuse.
They have also petitioned the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and other federal agencies to pressure the Swiss government through diplomatic means.
“The life of every Nigerian must be protected, whether at home or abroad,” Ejiofor stressed. “Justice must be done, and it must be seen to be done.”
He further urged international human rights organisations, media outlets, and civil society groups to speak out and ensure that Michael Ekemezie’s death does not go unnoticed or unpunished.
“This is about justice, humanity, and ensuring that such brutality is never repeated,” he said.
