The Federal Government has called on South African authorities to investigate the alleged killing of a Nigerian man, Odueze Chimezie Odueze, by personnel of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Odueze was reportedly arrested on suspicion of drug possession at a shopping centre before being taken to his residence in Parklands, Cape Town, for a search on October 9, 2026.
Reports indicate that no prohibited substances were found during the search, but the officers allegedly subjected him to severe torture, leading to his death.
Nigeria’s Consul-General in South Africa, Ambassador Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, expressed concern over the incident, warning that repeated reports of Nigerians dying in alleged encounters with security personnel raised serious concerns about their safety.
She urged South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible was prosecuted.
Okey-Uche emphasised that criminal allegations should be addressed through established legal procedures, stressing that suspects deserve a fair hearing and must not be subjected to extrajudicial punishment.
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She also appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious amid reported attacks and threats against foreign nationals.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to seeking justice for affected Nigerians and protecting the lives and rights of its citizens abroad.
