South African Police Allegedly Beat Nigerian Man To Death

Prince Muoka Ebuka, a 43-year-old Nigerian national, was allegedly battered to death by police in South Africa.

Muoka of Obosi, Anambra State, died on Friday morning, May 17, 2024, in Danielskuil, Northern Cape.

Police officials reportedly stormed the deceased’s home on suspicion that he was a drugs dealer.

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) condemned the death in a statement published by its National Publicity Secretary, Habib Miller, on Saturday, May 18.

“This incident highlights a disturbing trend of police abuse targeting Nigerians in the Northern Cape,’ the statement read.

“Since March, there have been similar cases in Kimberley involving drug accusations and police violence. Another Nigerian, Chika Anuino, was killed by police in Springs, Johannesburg, on April 25,” NUSA revealed.

According to the statement, Ebuka’s wife, Joyce, reported that law enforcement agents raided their home, causing her to escape to safeguard their newborn child from the assault.

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Ebuka was then allegedly attacked and pushed into producing drugs that he supposedly possessed.

When nothing was discovered, the officers allegedly brought him to a garbage disposal and accused him of concealing illegal substances there.

Eyewitnesses reported major wrongdoing, stating that the officers requested pepper spray after leaving Ebuka’s home.

Despite using drug detection tools, no drugs were found.

The intensive interrogation apparently led to Ebuka’s death, and worries about the investigation’s credibility have emerged due to the inappropriate preservation of the murder scene.

“Reports from Ebuka’s wife, Joyce, paint a harrowing picture of law enforcement officers storming their residence, compelling her to evacuate to shield their young child from witnessing the violence,” NUSA stated.

“Ebuka was then subjected to assault and coerced to produce drugs allegedly in his possession. When their search proved fruitless, they forcibly escorted him to a waste dump, alleging he had concealed illegal substances there.

“Eyewitnesses further allege egregious misconduct, with officers resorting to coercive tactics, including requesting pepper spray after emerging from Mr Ebuka’s residence.

“Despite employing drug detection methods, no evidence was found, yet the relentless interrogation tragically led to his demise. Moreover, the lack of proper crime scene preservation raises grave doubts about the integrity of the investigation.”

Miller pointed out that the officers’ failure to issue a statement or allow the family to establish a case only added to their anxiety.

He added that Joyce Ebuka was intimidated when she attempted to report her husband’s death.

NUSA also called for a thorough, impartial investigation into Prince Ebuka’s death and the greater issue of police abuse in the Northern Cape.

Meanwhile, the federal government says it will investigate the killing.

Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, lamented Ebuka’s death, saying it was one too many.

Balogun demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and underlined that anyone found guilty should be held accountable.

“Condemnable and sad. One death too many. We are calling for an investigation, and anyone found culpable should face the music,” he told the punch.

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