The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has strongly condemned the alleged brutal killing of Jeremiah Okoye, a 50-year-old Nigerian, while in the custody of South African police.
Okoye, a native of Eziniffite Nnewi in Anambra State, reportedly died while being detained in Limpopo Province on January 13.
In a telephone interview with journalists on Friday, NICASA President-General Frank Onyekwelu confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of Mr. Okoye’s death.
“We urge the police authorities to adhere to the rule of law in carrying out their duties,” News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Onyekwelu as saying.
Onyekwelu explained that Mr. Okoye, who had been living in South Africa for 22 years, resided at No. 71 Magazyn Street in Polokwane, Limpopo Province.
NICASA has formally informed both the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa and has reached out to Mr. Okoye’s family and friends in Limpopo following the tragic incident.
“Nigerians in South Africa reject police brutality and killings and demand justice for the late Okoye. Our lives matter; our nationality should not be seen as a crime,” Onyekwelu emphasised.
He also called on Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and allow the authorities to use all available resources to uncover the truth surrounding Mr. Okoye’s death.
Onyekwelu expressed concerns that Mr. Okoye’s death should not become just another statistic, as the deaths of Nigerians in South Africa, particularly in police custody, have become an alarming and recurring issue.
He warned that if the pattern continued unchecked, it could become a serious and dangerous trend.
