- Swiss authorities explained that the incident occurred during a routine police check
- Footage of Kekechi’s death has sparked outrage among Nigerians on social media
- Kelechi reportedly died following a violent encounter with Swiss police
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has announced its intention to investigate the tragic and controversial death of Kelechi, a 39-year-old Nigerian man who reportedly died following a violent encounter with Swiss police in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Eko Hot Blog reports that aviral video circulating on X shows the moment Kelechi was pinned to the ground by a Swiss police officer, crying out in pain and shouting, “You’re hurting me.” The footage has sparked outrage among Nigerians on social media.
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The user who shared the footage, @ChuksEricE, alleged that Kelechi died after the incident. According to reports, Kelechi collapsed and died at the police station less than an hour after his arrest.
Another user, Somto Okonkwo, described Kelechi as a “hardworking Igbo man” and claimed he was “crying out for help while the officer pressed down on his neck.”
He added that the deceased left behind three young children in Nigeria.
Reports indicate that Kelechi collapsed and passed away at the police station less than an hour after being apprehended.
However Swiss authorities in a statement reported by AFP, explained that the incident occurred during a routine police check related to suspected drug activity.
They claimed that Kelechi initially fled the scene but was eventually captured.
According to the statement, Kelechi became unwell during questioning and, despite emergency resuscitation efforts, succumbed to his condition.
In response to the incident, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Vaud region of Switzerland has initiated a criminal investigation.
Currently, an autopsy and various forensic examinations are being conducted, with crime scene investigators and medical experts actively participating in the probe.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols at Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident . He described the situation as “very sad and unfortunate.”
“This is not something we are going to condone. Irrespective of whatever the person may have done, he should have been given fair treatment,” he said.
“If we are able to gather all the necessary information surrounding his death, we will issue an official statement. Also, if the family can reach out to us or send a formal petition, we will be in a better position to know what happened.”
The commission assured the public that it is actively working to get to the bottom of the matter.
