Nigerian man dies in Swiss police custody under suspicious circumstances

DDM News

A human rights lawyer, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called for an urgent investigation into the death of Michael Kenechukwu Ekemezie, a Nigerian citizen who died after a violent encounter with Swiss police officers in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that Ekemezie, a 39-year-old native of Awka North in Anambra State, was allegedly killed by Swiss law enforcement on May 25, 2025.

The incident, which has drawn comparisons to the 2020 killing of George Floyd in the United States, has sparked outrage among Nigerians and Africans abroad.

A disturbing video of the encounter has circulated widely on social media.

In it, Ekemezie is seen being pinned to the ground by a Swiss officer, audibly crying out, “You’re hurting me.” His pleas went unheeded until he fell silent.

Sir Ejiofor, who represents the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), described the incident as deeply troubling.

In a statement released on Friday, he called for a full, transparent, and independent probe into the incident. He demanded the immediate suspension, arrest, and identification of the officers involved.

He further criticised the muted response from Swiss authorities and the silence of international media outlets such as CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera, saying such neglect contributes to a culture where African lives are undervalued.

Ekemezie had lived in Switzerland for over ten years in pursuit of a better life.

His death on the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s killing has drawn uncomfortable parallels, with footage showing him handcuffed, pinned face-down, and in visible distress before dying.

Ejiofor noted that, unlike the global outrage that followed Floyd’s death, the killing of Ekemezie has received scant attention both globally and within Nigeria.

He suggested this lack of response may indicate a deliberate attempt to downplay the incident.

In response, Ejiofor’s legal team has filed petitions with the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria, demanding justice and compensation for the victim’s family.

The team also reached out to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and other Nigerian government agencies, seeking diplomatic engagement with Swiss authorities.

He stated that street protests have erupted in Switzerland, with Africans demanding justice and accountability. Still, the Swiss government’s reaction has been slow and inadequate.

Calling the act a case of state-sanctioned violence, Ejiofor urged the Nigerian government to act decisively to protect its citizens.

He also appealed to international human rights groups and media organisations to speak out and push for justice.

He stressed that the matter goes beyond one man’s death. It symbolises a wider issue of disregard for African lives and the need to ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done.

The Nigerian government has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

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