NIGERIA DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR ODUEZE
Nigeria has condemned the death of its citizen, Chimezie Odueze, in Cape Town, South Africa, and called for a thorough investigation into allegations that he was tortured by officers of the South African Police Service.
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg says Odueze died on October 9 in the Parklands area of Cape Town. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Consul General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche describes reports surrounding his death as deeply distressing to his family, the Nigerian community and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa.
According to the consulate, Odueze was arrested at a shopping centre on suspicion of drug possession and taken to his residence for a search. The statement says no drugs were found at the home, but alleges that he was tortured to death.
The allegations have not been independently established in the information available for this report.
The consulate describes the incident as another source of concern over reports of Nigerians dying in questionable circumstances in South Africa. It urges South African authorities to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
Okey-Uche stresses that allegations of criminal conduct must be addressed through established legal procedures, with suspects afforded a fair hearing in court.
The consulate also warns against stereotyping Nigerians and insists that allegations against individuals should not be used to justify discrimination against an entire nationality.
It calls on Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious amid reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks and threats against foreign nationals.
The diplomatic mission extends its condolences to Odueze’s family and assures Nigerians that it will continue to advocate for their safety, welfare and fair treatment.
GROWING CONCERNS OVER NIGERIANS’ SAFETY
The latest case adds to concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, where previous deaths involving Nigerian nationals have prompted calls for investigations.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, approximately 1,640 Nigerians have been evacuated from South Africa since a new wave of xenophobic incidents began in April. The report says 33 Nigerians were repatriated in August, followed by another 105 in September.
The publication also reports that at least five Nigerians have been killed since the latest wave of violence began.
Among the previously reported cases is the death of Chika Simon in July during an encounter with South African police. Other Nigerians identified in earlier reports include Amaramiro Emmanuel, Ekpenyong Andrew, Emeka Iroegbu and Musa Joe.
The Nigerian government has called for investigations into these deaths, with the cited report stating that the cases remain unresolved and that no arrests have been made.
The recurring incidents raise questions about accountability, the protection of foreign nationals and the effectiveness of measures to prevent xenophobic violence.
Nigeria’s diplomatic authorities are urging South Africa to ensure that all allegations are investigated fairly and that justice is pursued through lawful channels.
For Nigerians living and working abroad, the developments also highlight the importance of consular assistance, access to legal protection and cooperation between governments when citizens die under disputed circumstances.
As investigations into Odueze’s death are sought, attention remains on the response of South African authorities and the steps taken to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Mediaplusng.com — Reporting on international affairs, Nigerians abroad and human rights.
SENATE DEBATES SUICIDE DECRIMINALISATION BILL
Nigeria’s Senate has passed a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide for second reading, despite Senate President Godswill Akpabio arguing that people who survive suicide attempts should remain liable to imprisonment.
The bill, sponsored by Cross River South Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, receives majority support during Tuesday’s plenary and is referred to the Senate Committees on Health and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative consideration.
The proposed legislation seeks to replace criminal punishment with medical assessment, treatment and support for people who survive suicide attempts.
Leading the debate, Ekpenyong argues that existing provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code conflict with the National Mental Health Act, which recognises me8ntal health emergencies and the need for appropriate intervention.
He warns that criminalising attempted suicide could discourage survivors from seeking help, encourage families to conceal incidents and make it more difficult for health workers to report cases.
Several senators support the proposed change. Ondo South Senator Dayo Faduyile, a medical doctor, argues that attempted suicide should be treated as a medical emergency rather than a criminal offence.
Bauchi Central Senator Abdul Ningi also supports medical intervention, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele raises questions about how the proposed amendments would apply across states with different legal frameworks.
However, Akpabio maintains that removing criminal penalties could encourage suicide attempts. He tells the chamber, “If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail.”
The bill’s passage at second reading means it proceeds to committee consideration; it has not yet become law.
CROSS RIVER EROSION CRISIS
In a separate development, the Senate calls on the Federal Government to release funds from the Ecological Fund to tackle erosion and landslides threatening communities in Cross River State.
The motion, also sponsored by Ekpenyong, highlights the growing risks in several parts of Calabar, including Atakpa, Edim Otop, Ikot Anwatim, Nyaghasang, Bacoco and Akai Effa.
The senator cites a July landslide at Ikot Anwatim that kills five people, including four siblings, destroys two houses and injures two other residents. He also reports another landslide in Edim Otop that claims the life of an eight-year-old girl.
Ekpenyong identifies poor drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, unregulated sand mining, vegetation removal and damage to drainage infrastructure as factors worsening erosion.
He urges the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Cross River State Government and relevant agencies to assess high-risk areas and begin urgent protective works, supported by sound engineering and environmental assessments.
Following the adoption of the motion, Akpabio directs the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to work with state emergency authorities and local councils to provide temporary shelter, food, medical care and psychosocial support to affected families.
NEMA is also directed to facilitate the safe evacuation and temporary relocation of residents facing imminent danger and establish early-warning systems to monitor unstable locations.
The Senate Committee on Environment is further mandated to inspect affected communities, assess existing interventions and report back with recommendations.
The twin developments place mental health policy and environmental protection on the Senate’s legislative agenda, with further committee action expected on both matters.
Mediaplusng.com — Reporting on Nigeria’s legislature, public health and environmental challenges.
