FG Condemns Alleged Killing of Nigerian Man by South African Police

The Federal Government has condemned the reported killing of another Nigerian in South Africa, raising concerns over what it described as a possible pattern of extrajudicial violence involving elements of the country’s security agencies.

The latest victim, identified as Odueze Chimezie Odueze, was allegedly tortured to death by officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Friday, October 9, 2026, at his residence in Parklands, Cape Town.

According to the account of the incident, Odueze was initially arrested at a shopping centre on suspicion of possessing drugs. The officers reportedly took him to his residence to conduct a search, but no drugs or other prohibited items were allegedly found.

Despite the reported outcome of the search, the officers allegedly subjected him to severe torture, which resulted in his death. The allegations have heightened concerns over the treatment and safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.

The incident occurred barely a week after two African nationals, one reportedly Nigerian, were allegedly killed on the streets of Johannesburg, further intensifying concerns about attacks against foreign nationals in the country.

Reacting to the incidents, Nigeria’s Consul-General in South Africa, Ambassador Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, expressed concern over the recurring reports of killings. In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, she said the incidents raised serious questions about the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Okey-Uche described the alleged pattern of extrajudicial killings as increasingly troubling, saying some elements appeared to be disregarding established legal procedures.

“The continuing pattern of extra-judicial killings of Nigerians is daily becoming more and more like a deliberate attempt by some elements in disregard to due processes of the South African laws,” she said.

The Nigerian government called on South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the reported killings and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice. Okey-Uche emphasised that allegations of criminal conduct must be addressed through the courts rather than violence or punishment outside the law.

“All should be granted fair hearing in a court of law and no one should take the laws into their hands,” she said.

The consul-general also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious amid reported xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks and threats against foreign nationals. She assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to engage the relevant authorities to protect their lives and rights.