The Federal Government has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of a Nigerian citizen during a police operation in South Africa.
The demand follows the circulation of videos over the weekend showing South African police officers allegedly assaulting a Nigerian man, who was heard pleading his innocence. The officers were seen using what appeared to be a polyethylene bag to repeatedly suffocate him.
According to the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, the incident occurred on July 23 in Bellville, Cape Town. The deceased was identified as Ibeh Chika Simon.
In a statement signed by the Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the mission condemned Simon’s death and expressed concern over the shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who is currently receiving treatment for severe injuries.
The consulate described the incident as part of a disturbing pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings and misconduct against foreign nationals in South Africa, warning that such actions reflect growing Afrophobic sentiment.
It urged South African authorities to conduct an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable.
The mission also emphasized that no alleged offence justifies excessive force or execution-style policing, insisting that all suspects are entitled to due process under the law.
The latest incident brings the number of officially reported Nigerian deaths in South Africa to five, although some repatriated Nigerians claim the actual figure is higher.
Last month, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the deaths of two Nigerians following renewed tensions targeting African migrants in South Africa.
Nigeria has also called for “Afrophobia” to be placed on the agenda of the next African Union summit as part of efforts to address recurring xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa.