Muoka,
from Obosi, Anambra State, died on Friday morning, May 17, 2024, in
Danielskuil, Northern Cape.
It was
gathered that police officers raided the deceased's residence on the allegation
that he was a drug dealer
The
Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) condemned the killing in a statement issued
by its National Publicity Secretary, Habib Miller on Saturday, May 18.
“This
incident highlights a disturbing trend of police abuse targeting Nigerians in
the Northern Cape,' the statement read.
"Since
March, there have been similar cases in Kimberley involving drug accusations
and police violence. Another Nigerian, Chika Anuino, was killed by police in
Springs, Johannesburg, on April 25,” NUSA revealed.
According
to the statement, reports from Ebuka’s wife, Joyce, indicated that law
enforcement officers stormed their home, forcing her to evacuate to protect
their young child from the violence.
Ebuka
was then allegedly assaulted and pressured to produce drugs allegedly in his
possession. When nothing was found, the officers reportedly took him to a waste
dump, accusing him of hiding illegal substances there.
Eyewitnesses
alleged serious misconduct, noting that the officers requested pepper spray after
exiting Ebuka’s residence.
However,
despite using drug detection methods, no drugs were discovered.
The
intense interrogation reportedly led to Ebuka’s death, and concerns about the
investigation’s integrity have arisen due to the improper preservation of the
crime scene
“Reports
from Ebuka’s wife, Joyce, paint a harrowing picture of law enforcement officers
storming their residence, compelling her to evacuate to shield their young
child from witnessing the violence,” NUSA stated.
“Ebuka
was then subjected to assault and coerced to produce drugs allegedly in his
possession. When their search proved fruitless, they forcibly escorted him to a
waste dump, alleging he had concealed illegal substances there.
“Eyewitnesses
further allege egregious misconduct, with officers resorting to coercive tactics,
including requesting pepper spray after emerging from Mr Ebuka’s residence.
“Despite
employing drug detection methods, no evidence was found, yet the relentless
interrogation tragically led to his demise. Moreover, the lack of proper crime
scene preservation raises grave doubts about the integrity of the
investigation."
Miller
noted that further distress was caused by the police’s refusal to issue a
statement or allow the family to open a case docket.
He
added that Joyce Ebuka faced intimidation when she tried to report her
husband’s death.
NUSA
further demanded a thorough, impartial investigation into Prince Ebuka’s
killing and the broader issue of police abuse in the Northern Cape.
Meanwhile,
the Federal Government says it will into the killing.
The
spokesperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, who
condemned the death of Ebuka, said it was death was too many.
Balogun
called for a thorough investigation into the incident and emphasised that
anyone found responsible should be held accountable.
"Condemnable
and sad. One death too many. We are calling for an investigation, and anyone
found culpable should face the music,” he told the punch.
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