Nigerian Union Demands Autopsy After Member Dies in South African Police Custody

Nigerian Union Demands Autopsy After Member Dies in South African Police Custody

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has called for a full autopsy and independent investigation following the death of one of its members, Ekpenyong Andrew, a Nigerian mechanic who was allegedly arrested by police officers in Pretoria and later found dead in a morgue under disputed circumstances.

Andrew was reportedly taken into custody on Sunday by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in the Booysens area while returning from work. According to NUSA, he was later discovered dead the following day at the Pretoria Central Morgue.

The union’s president, Smart Nwobi, confirmed the development in a statement, saying Andrew’s partner, Ms Kuma Kaku, recounted that police officers had earlier visited their home the same day of the arrest to conduct a search for drugs, which reportedly yielded no incriminating evidence.

Nwobi described the circumstances as deeply suspicious, stating that the discovery of Andrew’s body shortly after his arrest raises “serious concerns of possible foul play.” He added that a murder case has already been opened at the Hercules police station under the South African Police Service (SAPS).

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“NUSA categorically condemns this alleged extra-judicial killing and calls for an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Andrew’s death,” the statement read.

The union is demanding several actions, including the immediate suspension of the four Tshwane Metro Police officers allegedly involved, a probe by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), and compensation for the deceased’s family if wrongdoing is established.

NUSA also said the matter has been escalated to the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, urging diplomatic engagement to ensure accountability and justice.

The incident has added to growing concerns about deaths of Nigerians in South Africa police custody, a recurring issue that has previously triggered diplomatic complaints and calls for reforms in law enforcement conduct.

Human rights observers have also emphasized the importance of independent autopsies and transparent investigations in custody-related deaths to prevent allegations of cover-ups and ensure compliance with international policing standards.

Meanwhile, the union has appealed for calm among Nigerians living in South Africa, urging them to avoid retaliation and allow legal processes to take their course while monitoring developments closely.

South African authorities are yet to issue a detailed public statement on the case, but an official investigation is expected as custody-related deaths typically fall under the jurisdiction of IPID for independent review.

Nigerian Union Demands Autopsy After Member Dies in South African Police Custody