Swiss authorities have opened an investigation into the death of Michael Ekemezie, a 39-year-old Nigerian who died while in police custody in Lausanne, Switzerland, on May 25.
Ekemezie, from Mgbakwu in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, reportedly collapsed and died less than an hour after he was taken to a police station.
According to his elder brother, Henry Ekemezie, the late Michael was chased by Swiss police officers during a routine check. After being caught, he was handcuffed and pinned to the ground face-down by an officer. Henry said the force used was too much and may have led to his brother’s death.
A video that went viral on social media platform X showed Ekemezie shouting in pain as he was pinned down. He was heard saying, “You’re hurting me.”
Following the incident, the family, through their lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, petitioned both the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria and the Nigerian Diaspora Commission on May 30. They called for a full investigation into the matter and also expressed sadness that neither the Swiss nor Nigerian governments had reached out to them.
In a reply dated June 4, 2025, the Swiss Embassy confirmed that a formal investigation had begun. The letter, signed by Chargé d’Affaires Siamak Rouhani, read:
“The Embassy of Switzerland acknowledges receipt of your letter dated 30 May, 2025.
“The Embassy would like to inform that the competent prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the death of a person of African origin on May 25, 2025, at a police station in Lausanne, Switzerland.
“The results of this investigation are pending. In accordance with the principle of separation of powers and of the protection of personal data, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not hold any information concerning ongoing cantonal proceedings and cannot interfere in them.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, therefore, has no information concerning the circumstances of this tragic event. The deceased’s family and its agent – supported by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Bern – can therefore interact directly with the competent cantonal authorities.”
In response to the letter, the family through their lawyer welcomed the start of the investigation but insisted that the process must be fair and transparent.
“We remain deeply concerned about the lack of transparency and the continued silence surrounding the exact circumstances of Mr Michael Ekemezie’s death,” the family said in a statement.
“A young Nigerian life was lost, under suspicious and distressing conditions, while in the custody of a country that proudly upholds itself as a global advocate of human rights, justice, and the rule of law.
“This is not just a legal matter; it is a human tragedy. A mother grieves. A family mourns. A nation watches with bated breath.
“Justice must not be shielded behind bureaucratic procedures. It must not be delayed. And it must never be denied.”
The family called on the Swiss government to fully cooperate with Nigerian authorities and to ensure that the truth behind Michael’s death is uncovered.
