The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the alleged cruel killing of a 50-year-old Nigerian citizen, Jeremiah Okoye, by the country’s police while in custody.
It was learned that Okoye, a native of Ezinifite, Nnewi, in Anambra State, died while being imprisoned in Limpopo Province on January 13.
Frank Onyekwelu, President-General of NICASA, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, January 17, that investigations were underway to determine the circumstances behind the deceased’s death.
“We implore the police authorities to follow the rule of law in discharging their constitutional duties,” he said.
He stated that Okoye, who lived at No. 71, Magazyn Street, Polokwane, Limpopo Province, had been in the nation for 22 years.
According to Onyekwelu, NICASA officially informed the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa, as well as the Okoye family and friends in Limpopo, about the tragic situation.
“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.
“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,” he added.
Onyekwelu expressed optimism that Okoye’s death would not be a statistic like others before him.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli