- Pune Murder: Nigerians Held for Beating Friend to Death Over Romantic Dispute
- Police sources said that what began as a friendly gathering escalated into a heated argument
- Senior Police Inspector Mansing Patil confirmed the arrests and stated that investigators are looking for up to two other possible accomplices
Two Nigerian men, Chukwudi Okafor, 31, and Samuel Eze, 34, have been arrested in Pune, India, for allegedly beating their friend, Emeka Christian, to death following a dispute over a woman.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the incident reportedly occurred in the Pisoli-Phursungi area in the early hours of Monday. According to India Today, the 40-year-old victim, a garment trader legally residing in India with a visa valid until 2027, had attended a small party at the apartment of a Nigerian woman on Sunday night along with friends.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Court Remands Portable Over Assault, Theft Charges
- Uganda Orders Internet Shutdown Ahead of Election
- Truck Crash into Church: Epe LG Chairman Calls for Calm, Assures Community Support
Police sources said that what began as a friendly gathering escalated into a heated argument over a romantic relationship involving the woman. One of the accused, who was reportedly in a relationship with the woman, visited her frequently. The victim objected to the relationship, sparking a quarrel that intensified late into the night.
The confrontation turned violent around 3 a.m. when Emeka attempted to leave the apartment. “The argument turned violent when the victim tried to leave. He was beaten with a hard object, causing serious injuries,” a police source told India Today.
The men reportedly followed Emeka to the parking area and continued the assault, leaving him collapsed. He was rushed to a hospital by Gift Utah, vice president of the Nigerian Students’ Union in Pune, but was declared dead while receiving treatment.
Senior Police Inspector Mansing Patil confirmed the arrests and stated that investigators are looking for up to two other possible accomplices, believing that as many as four people may have been involved. “The investigation is ongoing, and a manhunt has been launched for other suspects,” a police source said.
This is not the first time Nigerians have been arrested in India over alleged murder. In 2025, Ayoola Babajide and Oghene Igere were detained in connection with the killing of another Nigerian, Lucky Ikechukwu Ijeh.
