Nigerians in South Africa have protested the death of a citizen, Mr. Jeremaih Offorbike Okoye, in police custody.
The protesters, under the aegis of Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), called for justice for the late Okoye.
The 50-year-old Anambra-born Okoye was reported to have died in South African police custody at Limpopo on January 13.
A statement by NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu said the deceased had lived in South Africa for 22 years before his death.
Announcing Okoye’s death in the statement, Onyekwelu said: “With deep sorrow, the NICASA National Executives wish to announce the death of Mr. Jeremaih Offorbike Okoye, 50 years old, a native of Eziniffite Nnewi in Anambra State, Nigeria, who died in the custody of police authority in Limpopo on Monday, January 13, 2025.
“Investigations are ongoing to know what led to his death.
“We implore the police authorities to follow the rule of law in discharging their constituted duties.
“The late Mr. Jerry Okoye, who resided at 71 Magazyn Street, Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa, hails from Eziniffite Nnewi in Anambra State, Nigeria. He had been living in South Africa in the past 22 years.
“NICASA executives have also made contacts with the victim’s family and friends in Limpopo. Our High Commission and Consulate have been officially informed and actions are currently being carried out in this regard.
“We in the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) say no to police brutality and killings, demanding justice for late Mr. Jerry Okoye. Our lives matter; nationality is not criminality.”
