News
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.”
News
Bianca Ojukwu’s Daughter Joins Her Mother at the ECOWAS Council of Ministers Session in South Africa
Following a recent post by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, on her official Instagram account on Monday, 15th December, 2025, the minister shared a noteworthy moment from the ECOWAS 95th Session of the Council of Ministers held in South Africa.
In the post, Ambassador Ojukwu revealed that her daughter, Chi, who works with UN Tourism, accompanied her to the high-level regional meeting to gain firsthand insight into the demands of diplomatic service. According to the minister, the experience offered her daughter a clearer understanding of the intensity and dedication required in her role as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
She explained that the council’s deliberations often stretched late into the night, sometimes well past midnight, with long hours spent in the conference hall and sustained by endless cups of tea. The demanding schedule, she noted, was far more intense than her daughter had anticipated
The post has since drawn reactions from followers, many of whom praised Ambassador Ojukwu for mentoring the next generation through exposure to international diplomacy and commended her commitment to regional cooperation and public service within ECOWAS.

News
Late Ambassador Demola Seriki’s last wife accuses family of denying her and their children access to his graveside
All appears not to be well with the family former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Late Demola Seriki, left behind. The Lagos politician and former minister passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2022, in Madrid, Spain at the age of 63 leaving behind three wives and his children.
Today marked three years since he passed away.
His last wife, Princess Sholape and her children had visited his graveside to pray for the repose of his soul. Sholape in a video she shared online this evening, said she and her kids were denied access into the vault to offer their prayers for the repose of his soul. According to her, a certain Biola has refused to grant herself and her kids access to the graveside and has instructed that visitation to his grave must be done only by her approval.
Sholape shared a video of herself and her two children at the grave.
‘’The keys for the vault has been seized and we have been refused access to it. Today we speak up and we will get on with things. It’s okay. It doesn’t stop up. We have done our prayers’’
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSS3dopDVBM/?igsh=ZDQ1ZTJsYXlobTU3
News
Alleged N2.2bn fraud: Ngige to remain in Kuje Prison till December 18
Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting at Gwarimpa in Abuja has ordered that former Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, be kept at Kuje prison till December 18.
Ngige will be on remand till the date when his bail application would be decided by the court.
Justice Hassan issued the order on Monday shortly after taking arguments for and against the bail request of the former governor of Anambra State.
Ngige’s lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, pleaded with the judge to admit the former minister to bail, mainly on health ground.
He submitted that the former minister would not jump bail or interfere with witnesses if admitted to bail.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, represented by Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, vehemently opposed the bail request, insisting that Ngige was a flight risk.
Tahir told the judge that Ngige was granted administrative bail by the EFCC and allowed to travel abroad for medical care but never reported back to the Commission.
Besides, he said that the international passport released to Ngige; to facilitate the abroad trip was never returned till today.
The senior lawyer argued that it was when Ngige was re-arrested that he came up with a purported claim that he lost his passport.
He insisted that the claim of passport loss was an afterthought and should not be believed by the court.
After the submissions, Justice Hassan fixed December 18 to deliver ruling in the bail request.
Ngige was last Friday slammed with an eight-count charge bordering on corrupt practices.
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