Many Nigerians have been killed in several countries under varying circumstances. What should have been stories of success abroad have, in several cases, ended abruptly. From unexplained deaths to brutal killings involving students and workers, the fatalities of Nigerian nationals have left several families either pursuing justice or grappling with inconsolable grief.

Peoples Gazette’s presents a list, by no means exhaustive, of Nigerians killed abroad.

Khaleed Oladipo

In February, a 20-year-old Nigerian and cybersecurity student at De Montfort University in the UK, Khaleed Oladipo, was fatally stabbed in the chest on Oxford Street by an 18-year-old suspect. 

Leicestershire Police said the incident occurred near the university campus, and an 18-year-old suspect had been arrested and was in custody at the time.

Mr Oladipo, who eventually died in a hospital, was described by his family as a good son and an Arsenal supporter. He was allegedly murdered on his way to watch the club’s match.

Emeka Uzor

On Monday, February 9, the Nigerian Union South Africa announced the death of Emeka Uzor, who was fatally shot at a Carltex Garage in Windsor East, Randburg, Johannesburg. NUSA said the victim, who was assassinated while in his vehicle, hailed from Nkerefi in Nkanu East local council of Enugu. 

The group called on the South African minister of police and the national commissioner of the South African Police Service to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.

Another group, the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, alleged that media personality Xolani Khumalo and his team shot the victim. NICASA described the incident as a violation of human rights and a tragic loss to the Nigerian community in South Africa.

Isaac Satlat

Isaac Satlat, a Nigerian student who worked as an e-hailing driver in South Africa, was strangled by two passengers, a male and a female, in February 2026. A February 12 viral videocaptured the attack, prompting widespread condemnation.

South African police’s preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was murdered by the two passengers who had requested the services of an e-hailing driver in Pretoria West. 

The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court in South Africa adjourned the ongoing case against six suspected individuals arrested in connection with the incident until June for further investigation.

Four Nigerians found dead in UK waters 

In March 2026, an advocacy group, ForBlackWomenUK, recalled the disappearances of four Nigerian women, whose bodies were found in rivers, lakes or offshore waters. The group listed the Nigerian victims as follows: Blessing Olusegun, Kayon Williams, Taiwo Balogun, and Samaria Ayanle. 

The advocacy group said 24-year-old Ms Williams, a fashion designer, was found in the River Thames, while 53-year-old Ms Balogun, in a separate incident, was found in a lake near Bluewater Shopping Centre. 

Also, the lifeless body of 21-year-old Ms Olusegun was discovered on a beach, while Ms Ayanle, a student at SOAS University of London in Bloomsbury before her death, was recovered from the River Thames.

The four Nigerian women died in separate incidents under unclear circumstances.

Rodiyat Alabede

A Nigerian student in Canada, Rodiyat Alabede, and one other individual died after donating their plasma at a collection centre in Winnipeg. 

Ms Alabede died in October 2025, while the second person died in January 2026.

Health Canada, a government agency, in March 2026, said the victims developed fatal body reactions following their donations at the Grifols Plasma Donation Centre.

The Spanish-based donation centre reportedly pays plasma donors up to $100, although incentives may be higher.

“She was always happy. She had so many dreams, especially when she came to Canada. She held a big place in my heart. And before she arrived at the hospital, she had already passed,” Ms Alabede’s close friend, Mary Chika, said.

Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju 

A Nigerian boxer and former national and West African light-heavyweight champion, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, reportedly collapsed and subsequently died in Ghana.

Mr Olanrewaju collapsed on Saturday, March 29, at the Bukom Boxing Arena during a bout with Ghanaian boxer John ‘Power’ Mbanugu. 

The Nigerian boxer suddenly fell to the canvas, with early reports suggesting a possible cardiac arrest as the cause.

Ekpenyong Andrew

A Nigerian citizen, motor mechanic and father of five, Ekpenyong Andrew, was reportedly arrested by Tshwane Metro Police officers on Sunday, April 19, in the Booyens area of Pretoria on his way home.

NUSA stated in a release that Mr Ekpenyong’s body was discovered the next day at the Pretoria Central Morgue under circumstances suggesting foul play.

NUSA demanded a swift and unbiased probe by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, the full autopsy report, disclosure of the cause of death and immediate suspension of the four police officers allegedly involved in the incident. 

Emmanuel Amaramiro

In a separate incident, a Nigerian, Mr Amaramiro, died on April 20 from injuries sustained during brutal beatings by South African military operatives.

The incident reportedly followed an altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police.

The Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg said the killing threw the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions into shock. 

The consul general, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, said the incident raised questions about the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.

Eghosa Ogbebor

A 14-year-old Nigerian, Eghosa Ogbebor, died from gunshot injuries in Woolwich, United Kingdom.

On May 7, a 15-year-old Briton was arraigned at the Barkingside Youth Court over the teenager’s alleged murder.

On May 8, the UK Metropolitan Police stated that it arrested another teenager in connection with the murder.

Police investigation and prosecution of the case remain ongoing.

105 Nigerians killed in South Africa in seven years

On May 28, 2026, two Nigerian community groups in South Africa, NUSA and NICASA, said no fewer than 105 Nigerians had been killed in the country over the past seven years. 

In a joint statement, the groups linked the deaths of several Nigerians in South Africa from 2019 to date to xenophobic attacks against migrants.

The groups said Nigerian migrants had been victims of extrajudicial killings, mob attacks, vigilante violence, shootings and unlawful use of force. 

“In 2022, over 17 Nigerians reportedly lost their lives through violent attacks, vigilante-style executions, criminal assaults, and alleged brutality by security personnel, while in 2023, more than 40 Nigerians were reported dead in incidents ranging from mob violence and alleged police misconduct to unresolved violent encounters,” the statement said.

The groups stated that about eight Nigerians reportedly lost their lives under tragic circumstances in 2024, while in 2025, eight others similarly died in shootings, violent confrontations, or deaths in police custody.

“Most recently, from January 2026 to date, over 20 Nigerians have reportedly died during physical encounters involving security personnel, criminal attacks, or suspected extrajudicial actions,” the statement said.

Sylvester Abayomi

A Nigerian national, Sylvester Abayomi, was killed in a car crash by two friends, Uways Hussain (the driver) and Usmon Mahmood (passenger), in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The 50-year-old victim, who was reportedly on his way to work, died after being struck and suffering severe chest injuries.

The Manchester Crown Court sentenced the suspects, Mr Hussain to 11 years and eight months’ imprisonment for causing death by dangerous driving, while Mr Mahmood was jailed for 12 years and nine months for aiding the incident.

Despite the universal acceptance of the right to life, the deaths of several Nigerians abroad under obscure circumstances raise concerns about the safety and well-being of citizens outside the country.

Data released by the International Organisation for Migration in April indicated that a total of eight thousand migrants, including Nigerians, were reported dead or missing worldwide in 2025. The organisation noted that around 340,000 family members are estimated to have been directly affected. 

Reacting, Inyene Etuk, a researcher in diaspora and transnational studies at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, expressed concern over the deaths of Nigerians abroad, attributing the trend to the country’s large population and the presence of Nigerian communities across the world.

“It might seem like there is an abundance of reports of casualties concerning Nigerian citizens, or people of Nigerian descent, in various countries. These casualties, especially the murders, are greatly unfortunate, and no one from anywhere should be in the news as a murder victim,” Mr Etuk explained. “I would, however, attribute this abundance of Nigerian reports to the base rate fallacy. One in every 4 to 6 black people in the world is Nigerian. It is a country of over 200 million people. It is the largest nationality in Africa.”

The researcher noted that “when you consider the sheer demographic size and consequent dispersal, you can find an explanation for the seeming overrepresentation of Nigerian casualties in the media”.

Mr Etuk urged NiDCOM to strengthen its legal framework and foster greater cooperation with government institutions in other countries.

The researcher also called on the federal government to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions and international cooperation, adding that officials must work closely with foreign authorities to protect the welfare of Nigerians living abroad.

“I would say that bridging the gap in bringing justice to Nigerians in the diaspora who have become victims of casualties lies with strengthening our local or national institutions as well as our international cooperation,” Mr Etuk said. “I believe that if the legal infrastructure of an institution like NiDCOM is further strengthened, particularly in cooperation with government institutions in other countries, we can move many steps forward in not only getting justice for Nigerians in the diaspora but also eliminating casualties of Nigerians abroad.”

The foreign affairs ministry and NiDCOM chief Abike Dabiri-Erewa did not immediately respond to requests for comments.