Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has demanded an intensive investigation into the loss of life of one other Nigerian nationwide, Odueze Chimezie Odueze, who allegedly died following torture by South African law enforcement officials in Cape Town.
The consulate, in a press assertion dated October 13, 2026, stated Odueze died on October 9 in the Parklands space of Cape Town, describing the incident as a supply of shock and misery to his household and the Nigerian group in South Africa.
According to the assertion issued by the Consul General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the deceased was reportedly arrested at a buying centre on suspicion of drug possession and subsequently taken to his residence for a search.
The consulate stated no medicine had been discovered in the course of the search however alleged that Odueze was however subjected to torture.
The mission expressed grave concern over what it described as a recurring sample of alleged extrajudicial killings involving Nigerians in South Africa, warning that the incidents raised critical questions in regards to the security and safety of Nigerian residents and different overseas nationals in the nation.
It additionally linked its considerations to studies of xenophobic and Afrophobic assaults and threats in opposition to overseas nationals, urging the South African authorities to make sure that allegations of abuse by regulation enforcement officers had been investigated impartially and transparently.
“No matter what the allegations may be, there are processes and steps to justice,” the consulate stated, stressing that legal allegations needs to be addressed by way of established authorized procedures and that suspects had been entitled to a good listening to earlier than a court docket of regulation.
The mission known as on the related South African authorities to conduct a complete investigation into Odueze’s loss of life and be certain that anybody discovered culpable was prosecuted in accordance with the regulation.
It additional appealed to Nigerians dwelling in South Africa to stay calm, law-abiding and security-conscious amid reported assaults and threats in opposition to overseas nationals.
The consulate prolonged its condolences to Odueze’s household and guaranteed Nigerians that it will proceed to pursue the safety, welfare and truthful remedy of Nigerian residents in South Africa.
Reaffirming its dedication to looking for justice for the deceased, the mission declared that it will not relent in insisting that “Nigerian and all lives matter.”
