The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has launched an investigation into the death of a 50-year-old Nigerian man, Jeremiah Okoye, while in police custody in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The tragic incident has raised concerns over recurring cases of police brutality against Nigerians in the country.
Details of Okoye’s Death
Jeremiah Okoye, a native of Eziniffite Nnewi in Anambra State, had been residing in South Africa for 22 years before his untimely death on January 13, 2025. He lived at 71 Magazyn Street, Polokwane, Limpopo Province. Reports indicate that Okoye died under unclear circumstances while in police custody.
The President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), Frank Onyekwelu, confirmed the incident in a statement, expressing outrage and calling for a thorough investigation.
“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,” Onyekwelu stated.
Call for Justice and Accountability
Onyekwelu highlighted the recurring issue of police brutality against Nigerians in South Africa.
“We hope that his death will not become a statistic like others before it. The deaths of Nigerians in South Africa, particularly under police custody, have become a recurring issue that needs to be stopped,” he said.
NICASA has officially notified the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa and reached out to Okoye’s family and friends. Onyekwelu also issued a strong message:
“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.”
NiDCOM’s Response
NiDCOM spokesperson Abdulrahman Balogun confirmed that the commission was aware of the incident and had begun investigating the circumstances surrounding Okoye’s death.
“It is under investigation,” Balogun said briefly in response to inquiries about actions being taken to address police brutality against Nigerians in South Africa.
A Pattern of Violence
This incident follows a series of violent attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. One such case involved the killing of 37-year-old Julius Chukwunta, a native of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State. Chukwunta was attacked by four suspected South African men on December 7, 2024, while driving to his home in the Midrand Protea Estate.
The assailants reportedly inflicted severe head injuries on Chukwunta, which led to his death on December 13, 2024. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unresolved, adding to the growing list of fatalities involving Nigerians in South Africa.
A Call to Action
The deaths of Nigerians in South Africa, particularly in police custody or due to violent attacks, have become a source of concern for the Nigerian community and advocacy groups. NICASA and NiDCOM have urged South African authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for victims.
As the investigation into Okoye’s death continues, Nigerians at home and abroad are calling for stricter measures to protect their compatriots and prevent further occurrences of such tragedies. Both governments are expected to work collaboratively to address these recurring issues and ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
