The Federal Government has called for a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation into the death of Nigerian national Mr. Ekpenyong Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew in South Africa.

Andrew, according to the report, was arrested following an alleged interaction with members of the Tshwane Metro Police on 19 April 2026 in the Booysens area of Pretoria; his body was discovered the following day at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.

The Nigerian Consular General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, while expressing shock over the incident, disclosed that a formal case has been opened with the South African Police Service.

Okey-Uche, however, called on the relevant South African authorities to expedite their inquiries and establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The Consular General, in a statement, also called for due process and adherence to the rule of law in ensuring accountability and public confidence.

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The envoy also urged members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation is underway.

The statement read, “The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Johannesburg has received with deep grief and concern, reports regarding the death of a Nigerian national, Mr. EKPENYONG NNAEMEKA MATHEW ANDREW, following an alleged interaction with members of the Tshwane Metro Police.

“Preliminary information indicates that Mr. Andrew was reportedly apprehended on 19th April, 2026, in the Booysens area of Pretoria, and that his body was subsequently discovered the following day at the Pretoria Central Mortuary under circumstances that are presently under investigation.

“The Consulate General notes that a formal case has been opened with the South African Police Service, and that the matter is being investigated. We welcome this development and underscore the importance of ensuring that the investigation is conducted in a thorough, transparent, and impartial manner.

“In this regard, the Consulate General respectfully calls on the relevant South African authorities, including the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), to expedite their inquiries and establish the facts surrounding this incident. Due process and adherence to the rule of law remain essential in ensuring accountability and public confidence.

“The Consulate-General is in active engagement with the appropriate South African authorities and is closely monitoring developments. We are also poised to assist the family of the deceased to provide necessary Consular support and assistance.

“Nigeria and South Africa share longstanding bilateral relations founded on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the protection of human rights. It is in this spirit that we trust this matter will be handled with the seriousness and diligence it deserves.

“While the Consulate General extends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the deceased during this difficult time, we also urge members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while allowing the relevant authorities to investigate.

“The Mission remains committed to the protection of the rights and welfare of Nigerian citizens and will continue to take appropriate steps in pursuit of this mandate.”

(The Nation)

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