The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, NICASA has condemned the death of a 40-year-old Nigerian, Benjamin Okoli, who reportedly died while in police custody.
Okoli’s tragic death comes less than a month after NICASA also condemned the alleged killing of another Nigerian, 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye, in police custody on January 13.
Speaking to journalists, NICASA President-General, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, described the recurring deaths of Nigerians in South Africa as “unbearable.”
“The Nigerian community in South Africa is mourning yet another loss in police custody. Okoli, from Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra, was stopped, searched and taken to his house with his brother for further inspection,” Onyekwelu said.
He alleged that despite finding nothing incriminating, the officers tortured, beat, and brutalized the two brothers. Okoli reportedly fell into a coma due to the severe assault while his brother’s desperate attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
“The police stood by and watched as Okoli’s life slipped away. Paramedics later arrived and pronounced him dead,” Onyekwelu added