Nigerians in South Africa has raised the alarm over alleged brutal killing of a 50-year-old Nigerian citizen, Jeremiah Okoye, by the country’s police, while in their custody.
Speaking under the aegis of Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), bemoaned the death of Okoye, a native of Eziniffite Nnewi, in Anambra was said to have died while being detained in Limpopo Province, on Jan. 13.
According to the association’s President-General, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, on Friday, said investigations were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deceased’s death.
“We implore the police authorities to follow the rule of law in discharging their constitutional duties,” he said.
Onyekwelu said that Okoye, who resided at No. 71, Magazyn Street, Polokwane, Limpopo Province, had lived in the country for 22 years.
He said NICASA had officially informed the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa, as well as contacted the Okoye family and friends in Limpopo, following the sad incident.
“Nigerian citizens in South Africa say no to police brutality and killings and demand justice for the late Okoye.
“Our lives matter, nationality is not criminality.
“We implore all our citizens to be law-abiding and allow the authorities to utilise all their resources, to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Okoye,” he said.
Onyekwelu expressed hope that Okoye’s death would not become another statistic like others before him.
“The death of Nigerians in South Africa, particularly under police custody has become a recurring issue that needs to be stopped.
“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,” he added.
