Another Nigerian Dies in South African Police Custody: How Long Will This Injustice Continue?
The Nigerian community in South Africa has been thrown into mourning yet again following the tragic death of 40-year-old Benjamin Okoli while in police custody.
His death, which comes barely a month after another Nigerian, 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye, also died in similar circumstances, has raised serious concerns over the continued dehumanization and brutality faced by Nigerians in South Africa.
A Pattern of Brutality and Negligence
According to Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, President-General of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), Okoli’s tragic fate was avoidable. Reports indicate that he was stopped and searched by South African police officers, who then took him home for further inspection. Despite finding nothing incriminating, the officers allegedly tortured, beat, and brutalized him.
> “Okoli couldn’t withstand the assault and fell into a coma. His brother’s attempts to revive him failed while the police stood by and watched as his life slipped away. Paramedics later pronounced him dead,” Onyekwelu revealed.
Even more disturbing is the fact that the same police unit accused of killing Okoye in January is allegedly responsible for Okoli’s death. This raises a fundamental question: Is there a targeted campaign against Nigerians in South Africa?
South African Authorities Have Turned a Blind Eye
The repeated deaths of Nigerians in police custody point to a culture of impunity within the South African law enforcement system. Over the years, Nigerians have been unjustly profiled, harassed, and sometimes killed by South African police officers under questionable circumstances.
Despite consistent complaints from NICASA and other advocacy groups, South African authorities have largely failed to act decisively. Investigations are either delayed or inconclusive, and justice remains elusive for the victims. This lack of accountability emboldens rogue officers who continue to violate Nigerians’ fundamental human rights with impunity.
The Nigerian Government Must Rise to the Challenge
The Nigerian government cannot afford to remain passive while its citizens face persecution abroad. It is not enough to issue diplomatic statements after each tragedy; there must be proactive engagement with the South African government to ensure justice and prevent further loss of Nigerian lives.
Urgent Steps Nigeria Must Take:
1. Demand an Independent Investigation – The Nigerian government should pressure the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to launch a transparent probe into these deaths and ensure that the officers responsible are held accountable.
2. Strengthen Diplomatic Engagement – The Nigerian Missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg must intensify high-level diplomatic discussions with the South African government to end these unwarranted attacks.
3. Legal Support for Nigerians – The government should provide free legal representation for Nigerians facing unlawful arrests or police brutality in South Africa.
4. Expose and Publicize Rights Violations – International bodies, such as the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and African Union (AU), should be petitioned to take action against human rights abuses.
5. Engage the South African Business Community – Economic ties between Nigeria and South Africa remain strong, with major South African companies like MTN, Shoprite, and MultiChoice benefiting from Nigeria’s market. The Nigerian government must use these business interests as leverage to ensure the safety of its citizens in South Africa.
A Call for Justice and Reform
The deaths of Benjamin Okoli and Jeremiah Okoye must not be swept under the rug. The Nigerian government owes it to its citizens abroad to defend their rights, ensure justice, and prevent further killings.
NICASA has called for calm, urging Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding as efforts are made to address the issue. However, it is clear that without strong action from the Nigerian government, these tragic incidents may continue unchecked.
Final Thoughts
The time for mere condemnation and press releases is over. Nigerians abroad deserve the same protection and dignity that other foreign nationals enjoy. South Africa must be held accountable, and Nigeria must show strength in defending its people.
Justice for Okoli. Justice for Okoye. Justice for every Nigerian who has suffered brutality abroad.
Enough is enough.
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