The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for a full investigation into the death of a Nigerian man, Daniel Eheri, who died while in police custody in Luxembourg.
Eheri was reportedly arrested by the Luxembourg Police, Grand-Ducale, on February 10, 2025, and confirmed dead the next day. His death has sparked outrage among Nigerians in the diaspora, who are demanding answers from the Luxembourg authorities.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said it is working closely with Nigeria’s Embassy in Belgium to uncover the circumstances surrounding Eheri’s death.
NiDCOM said it received a formal petition from the Nigerian community in Luxembourg, alleging that Eheri’s death was an extrajudicial killing. The petition, titled *“Case of an Extrajudicial Killing of a Nigerian by the Police Authority of Luxembourg,”* was addressed to the Commission’s Chairman, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and signed by the group’s coordinator, Mr. Sunday Adekolu.
According to the petition, Eheri was in possession of foodstuffs when he was arrested. The next day, he was confirmed dead under unclear circumstances. The petitioners expressed concern that the Luxembourg police had failed to provide a clear explanation or respond to official letters from Nigeria’s Ambassador to Belgium, Ambassador Obinna Chiedu Onowu, whose jurisdiction includes Luxembourg.
They also called for an autopsy on Eheri’s remains and urged the Nigerian government to ensure the case is not covered up. “The late Eheri Daniel was a Nigerian with a clean record and a valid residence permit. We want justice and accountability,” the petition stated.
NiDCOM Chairperson, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the situation as “deeply troubling” and offered her condolences to Eheri’s family and the Nigerian community in Luxembourg. She assured that the Commission would do everything possible to get justice.
“We will work with our embassy to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and to hold those responsible accountable,” she said.
This incident adds to the growing concerns about the safety and human rights of Nigerians living abroad. The Federal Government’s quick response signals its seriousness in addressing potential abuses against its citizens outside the country.
