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Swiss Authorities Probe Death Of Nigerian Michael Ekemezie In Police Custody After Groaning ‘You’re Hurting Me’, Family Seeks Justice
According to a statement released by the family’s legal team, led by human rights lawyer Ifeanyi C. Ejiofor, a formal petition was submitted to the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria on May 30, calling for “an immediate and transparent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ekemezie’s death on May 25, 2025.
The family of Michael Kenechukwu Ekemezie, a Nigerian man who died following an alleged violent encounter with Swiss police officers in Lausanne, is demanding justice and full accountability as the Swiss government formally acknowledges an ongoing investigation into the incident.
According to a statement released by the family’s legal team, led by human rights lawyer Ifeanyi C. Ejiofor, a formal petition was submitted to the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria on May 30, calling for “an immediate and transparent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ekemezie’s death on May 25, 2025.
In an official response dated June 4 and signed by Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Siamak Rouhani, the Swiss Embassy confirmed that the competent Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the case.
However, citing the country’s strict data protection laws and the principle of separation of powers, the Embassy declined to release further details.
The family, while acknowledging receipt of the Embassy’s correspondence, expressed deep concerns over what they describe as a troubling lack of transparency.
“This is not just a legal matter,” the statement also read.
“It is a human tragedy. A mother grieves. A family mourns. A nation watches with bated breath.”
Ejiofor said, “We therefore reiterate, with unwavering resolve, our demand for a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation. Justice must not be shielded behind bureaucratic procedures. It must not be delayed. And it must never be denied.
“We urge the Swiss Government and all relevant authorities to fully cooperate with the Government of Nigeria and the legal representatives of Mr. Ekemezie’s family. Every diplomatic and legal channel must be pursued. The truth must be uncovered. Accountability must be served.
“Michael Ekemezie’s life mattered. His name must not fade. His story must not be buried.”
Ejiofor added, “To the Government of Switzerland: Your global standing as a guardian of human dignity, justice, and democratic values is now being tested. Let those values speak, not merely through words, but through decisive and transparent action.
“To the international community: We call upon your conscience. Stand with us. Speak out. Demand accountability.”
Meanwhile, the Embassy of Switzerland acknowledged receipt of the family’s correspondence through Ejiofor in a letter dated May 30, 2025.
The Embassy noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no information concerning the circumstances of the tragic event.
The statement read, “The Embassy would like to inform that the competent prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation about the death of a person of African origin on 25 May 2025 at a police station in Lausanne, Switzerland. The results of this investigation are pending.
“In accordance with the principle of separation of powers and of the protection of personal data, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not hold any information concerning ongoing cantonal proceedings and cannot interfere in them. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs therefore has no information concerning the circumstances of this tragic event.”
“The deceased’s family and its agent – supported by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Bern – can therefore interact directly with the competent cantonal authorities,” the statement added.
On May 30, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) had announced plans to investigate the death of Ekemezie, who died after an alleged violent encounter with Swiss police officers in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The 39-year-old, a native of Awka North in Anambra State, reportedly died shortly after being taken into custody by law enforcement authorities in Switzerland.
It was reported that despite Kelechi repeatedly shouting, “You’re hurting me,” the officer continued to forcefully restrain him.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday night and ended with Kelechi collapsing and dying less than an hour later at a police station.
Swiss authorities, in a statement reported by AFP, claimed that the incident occurred during routine police check related to suspected drug activity.
They alleged that Kelechi attempted to flee but was later apprehended.
Swiss authorities also claimed that Kelechi became unwell during questioning and died despite emergency resuscitation efforts.
“After the situation calmed down, the man was taken to the police station for questioning,” officials were quoted as saying.
“During the intervention, he became unwell and died shortly before 10:00 p.m., despite efforts by emergency medical services to revive him.”
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, swore in General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) as Minister of Defence at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
General Musa’s appointment follows the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Monday, December 1, 2025. His nomination was announced the following day and transmitted to the Senate, where it received expedited screening and confirmation.
Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Nigerian Army in 1991 and had a distinguished military career. He was appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023 and retired in October 2025.
As Chief of Defence Staff, he championed inter-service security collaboration.
With his swearing-in, the new Defence Minister is expected to immediately assume duties as the Tinubu administration seeks to consolidate recent security gains and fast-track reforms aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability nationwide.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, attended the swearing-in ceremony.
Also in attendance were the spouse of the new Minister, Mrs Lilian Oghogho Musa; Chief of Defense Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs (rtd).
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has said it has appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which ordered the release of twenty-seven houses to James Ibechukwu Okoye and his company.
In the Notice of Appeal filed at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, the Commission expressed dissatisfaction with the decision of the trial court, which was delivered on October 31, 2025.
EFCC counsel, Abba Mohammed, SAN, sought two orders from the Court of Appeal, which include; Staying the execution of the judgment of the trial court pending the hearing and determination of the appeal; and such further or other orders as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.
Meanwhile, the Commission said it felt obliged to correct the distortions and misrepresentations contained in a news story titled “EFCC Invades Abuja Property Despite Court Order Restraining Agency, Awarding N20 million To Jona Brothers”.
It explained in a statement on X that the Abuja property, Plot 680-689 Cadastral Zone B06, Mabushi, Abuja, referenced in the report, is a subject of criminal charge before Justice A.I Kutigi of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court .
However, the EFCC said it sought and secured an order of interim forfeiture of the property before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja pending the determination of the criminal charge before Justice Kutigi.
“In granting the order, the court authorized the EFCC to ‘appoint competent persons/ firm to manage the assets/properties listed in the schedule therein, temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government pending the conclusion of investigation and determination of criminal charges against the suspect,’”
“It is also important to point out that the criminal charge struck out by Justice Osho Adebiyi and the N20m cost she awarded is not in any way connected to the interim order.
“In addition, the enforcement of the interim forfeiture order of the property by the Commission is without prejudice to ongoing appeals on court pronouncements about the true ownership of the property. The appeals are ongoing and the EFCC is diligently attending proceedings.”
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