Nigerians condemn South African police for kidnapping compatriot
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has decried the alleged kidnapping of Clifford Iroka, a Nigerian, by South Africa Police Service (SAPS).
The President-General of NICASA, Benjamin Okoli, made this known on Monday in a telephone interview.
He narrated that some SAPS personnel assaulted Mr Iroka in the Boksburg area of East Rand, Johannesburg, on January 9, and kidnapped Mr Iroka from a barbershop in the area.
“They pulled him out from the Barbershop and pushed him into their police van, took turns in beating and kicking him in the ribs, head, waist and legs.
“Iroka was brutalised and lost consciousness. At the point, they realised he was dying, they took him to hospital, where he was in coma for 9 days.”
He said the matter was reported to Andrew Idi, the Consul-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, who visited Mr Iroka at the hospital.
Mr Okoli explained that the matter was duly reported to the Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID), which resulted in the arrest of the police personnel.
He also said that the personnel were remanded in prison, adding the previous case of their involvement in the alleged killing of a Nigerian in 2018 was under investigation by the IPID.
“The matter is still under investigation, with this new matter occurring, involving the same police officers.”
Mr Okoli extolled Mr Idi’s support and commitment to Nigerians to ensure the safety and protection of their property in the country.
“Since Idi arrived in Johannesburg, we regained our dignity as a community from those bad elements in the society, who enjoy trampling on people’s rights and dignity.
“We hope for more successes in his duty in South Africa, particularly his intervention on issues that surround the kidnap of Iroka, we hope the culprits are convicted.
“This will serve as a deterrent to others who may want to follow the same criminal and xenophobic steps.
“We express confidence in the Judiciary with the hope that justice will be served, we also appeal to Nigerians in South Africa to be law abiding and peaceful,” he added.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
