NAF COMPLETES LOCAL REASSEMBLY OF FIRST TWO H125 HELICOPTERS IN LAGOS. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.
That statement remains the basis of Nigeria’s position.
Three Nigerian nationals died in South Africa between 18 and 21 September: Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu in Bloemfontein; Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde in Pretoria; and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka in Primrose.
Their families deserve answers. So does the Nigerian community.
These deaths occurred in different circumstances. One followed an alleged encounter with police.
One was a shooting after a dispute in a nightclub.
One followed an alleged encounter with a private crew associated with Mr Xolani Khumalo.
They should not be treated as one incident. They should each be investigated to the end.
I also renew our request for a progress report on the killing of Emeka Clement Uzor on 9 February, a case in which no arrest has been reported to our Mission.
The wider figures I mentioned — 12 Nigerian deaths recorded this year, and 112 since 2022, including cases our Mission has linked to security personnel — are drawn from Mission and community compilations.
They are not findings of a South African court. I stated them because the pattern of unresolved cases is itself a diplomatic problem.
I did not, and do not, pronounce any individual guilty from a social-media platform.
Nigeria’s ask is limited and lawful: open or confirm a docket in each case; identify the investigating officer; complete post-mortems and witness statements; where police conduct is alleged, refer the matter to the independent investigator; prosecute whoever the evidence names.
I have directed our Mission to request these updates in writing. Nigeria will protect its nationals.
It will also proceed by evidence, due process and respect for the sovereignty and people of South Africa.
That is how justice is won and that is how two brotherly African states should treat each other.
Regardless of these challenges our historical bridge of fraternity, friendship and solidarity must never be broken.
May the souls of the deceased rest in peace.
(FFK)
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