The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa has condemned the death of a 40-year-old Nigerian man, Benjamin Okoli, in police custody, barely a month after another Nigerian, Jeremiah Okoye, died under similar circumstances.
NICASA President-General, Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, described the deaths as “unbearable” and called for urgent action to stop what he termed a disturbing trend of Nigerians being targeted by South African law enforcement.
According to NICASA, Okoli, who hailed from Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra State, was stopped by police, searched, and later taken to his house with his brother for further inspection.
Despite finding nothing incriminating, the officers allegedly tortured and brutalized the two men.
“Okoli couldn’t withstand the assault and fell into a coma. His brother tried to revive him, but the police stood by and watched as his life slipped away,” Onyekwelu narrated. Paramedics later arrived and confirmed him dead.
NICASA further alleged that the same police unit accused of Okoye’s death in January was responsible for Okoli’s demise, heightening fears of a pattern of brutality against Nigerians in South Africa.
“This is the same group of officers accused of killing Okoye. Now, two Nigerians have died in police custody in less than a month,” Onyekwelu stated.
The association has formally notified the Nigerian diplomatic missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg, urging them to take decisive steps in addressing the issue.
NICASA is also calling on South Africa’s Independent Police Investigative Directorate to launch a thorough probe and ensure the officers responsible face justice.
“We appeal to our nationals to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their daily activities peacefully,” Onyekwelu said.
The deaths of Okoli and Okoye have further fueled concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, where incidents of police brutality and xenophobic attacks have been recurring issues.
