by Nurat Uthman
The Nigerian Union in South Africa has condemned the killing of Prince Ebuka, a 43-year-old Nigerian national from Obosi, Anambra State.
Ebuka was killed on Friday in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, South Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by the NUSA National Publicity Secretary, Habib Miller, and made available to newsmen on Saturday.
In the statement, the union highlighted the troubling pattern of police abuse targeting Nigerians in the Northern Cape.
Since March, similar incidents have been reported in Kimberley involving drug accusations and police violence.
NUSA also noted the death of another Nigerian, Chika Anuino, by police in Springs, Johannesburg, on April 25.
According to the statement, Ebuka’s wife, Joyce reported that law enforcement officers stormed their home, forcing her to leave to protect their young child from the violence.
Ebuka was then assaulted and pressured to produce drugs allegedly in his possession. When nothing was found, officers took him to a waste dump, accusing him of hiding illegal substances there.
“Reports from Ebuka’s wife, Joyce, paint a harrowing picture of law enforcement officers storming their residence, compelling her to evacuate to shield their young child from witnessing the violence. Ebuka was then subjected to assault and coerced to produce drugs allegedly in his possession.
“When their search proved fruitless, they forcibly escorted him to a waste dump, alleging he had concealed illegal substances there. Eyewitnesses further allege egregious misconduct, with officers resorting to coercive tactics, including requesting pepper spray after emerging from Mr Ebuka’s residence.
“Despite employing drug detection methods, no evidence was found, yet the relentless interrogation tragically led to his demise. Moreover, the lack of proper crime scene preservation raises grave doubts about the integrity of the investigation,” the statement read in part.
Miller noted that further distress was caused by the police’s refusal to issue a statement or allow the family to open a case docket.
He added that Joyce Ebuka faced intimidation when she tried to report her husband’s death.
NUSA further demanded a thorough, impartial investigation into Prince Ebuka’s killing and the broader issue of police abuse in the Northern Cape.
It emphasised the need for justice and the protection of all individuals’ rights and safety, regardless of nationality.
“NUSA urgently calls for an exhaustive, impartial inquiry into Prince Ebuka’s killing and the broader systemic issues of police abuse in the Northern Cape.
“Justice must prevail for the deceased, and the rights and safety of all individuals, regardless of nationality, must be safeguarded,” it said.
Kgatelopele Local Municipality Mayor Irene Williams visited the crime scene, expressed shock, and offered condolences.
She called for calm and unity, sentiments echoed by NUSA, which urges the Nigerian community to uphold the rule of law, the statement added.
The union extended heartfelt condolences to Ebuka’s family and stands in solidarity with the Nigerian community in the Northern Cape.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, called for a thorough investigation into the incident and emphasised that anyone found responsible should be held accountable.
“Condemnable and sad. One death too many. We are calling for an investigation, and anyone found culpable should face the music,” he noted
