Polokwane, South Africa – A 50-year-old Nigerian man, Jeremiah Okoye, has died while in police custody in Limpopo, South Africa. Okoye, who had lived in the country for 22 years, was residing at 71 Magazyn Street in Polokwane at the time of his death.
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) confirmed the news in a statement on Friday. Frank Onyekwelu, President of NICASA, condemned the incident and expressed concern over the rising number of cases involving Nigerians dying in police custody. He called for a full investigation into Okoye’s death and urged the police to uphold the rule of law in handling such matters.
“We implore the police authorities to follow the rule of law in discharging their duties,” Onyekwelu stated. He also noted that both Nigeria’s High Commission and Consulate have been notified about Okoye’s death.
Onyekwelu further expressed hope that Okoye’s death would not become another statistic in the growing list of Nigerians who have died under similar circumstances in South Africa. He warned that if the issue is not addressed, it could set a dangerous precedent.
Okoye was originally from Eziniffite Nnewi, in Anambra State, Nigeria. Investigations into the cause of his death are ongoing.Nigerian Man Dies in South African Police Custody
