Nigeria Demands Probe Into Nigerian’s Death In South African Police Custody

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has known as for a radical investigation into the dying of Nigerian nationwide Odueze Chimezie Odueze, who allegedly died following torture by South African law enforcement officials in Cape Town.

Odueze died on October 9 within the Parklands space of Cape Town, in response to a press assertion issued on Tuesday by the Consul General, Ambassador Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche.

The Consulate mentioned stories of the alleged torture and brutality in opposition to Odueze earlier than his dying had induced shock and ache to his household, the Nigerian group and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa.

According to the assertion, Odueze was arrested at a purchasing centre on suspicion of drug possession and brought to his residence for a search.

The Consulate alleged that no medication had been discovered on the residence, however Odueze was nonetheless subjected to torture that led to his dying.

Describing the incident as “one too many”, the mission mentioned recurring stories of the deaths of Nigerians in alleged extrajudicial killings in South Africa raised severe considerations concerning the security of Nigerians and different international nationals within the nation.

It additionally warned in opposition to what it described because the stereotyping of Nigerians, saying allegations in opposition to people shouldn’t be used to generalise about Nigerians residing in South Africa.

The Consulate urged South African authorities to research the circumstances surrounding Odueze’s dying and prosecute anybody discovered accountable.

“Our position remains that no matter what the allegations may be, there are processes and steps to justice. All should be granted fair hearing in a court of law and no one should take laws into their own hands,” the assertion mentioned.

The mission additionally appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to stay calm, law-abiding and security-conscious amid reported xenophobic and Afrophobic assaults and threats in opposition to foreigners.

It prolonged its condolences to Odueze’s household and pledged to proceed looking for the safety and truthful remedy of Nigerians within the nation.

The assertion didn’t point out whether or not South African authorities had opened an investigation into Odueze’s dying or whether or not any officers had been arrested in reference to the incident.