The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for a full investigation into the death of a Nigerian citizen during a police operation in South Africa.

The victim, Ibeh Chika Simon, reportedly died following an encounter with police officers in Bellville, Cape Town on July 23. Viral videos circulating online showed officers assaulting the man as he pleaded his innocence, with what appeared to be a polyethylene bag allegedly used to suffocate him.

In a statement, the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, led by Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as disturbing and unacceptable.

The consulate also revealed that another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, was shot during a related incident and is currently receiving treatment for severe injuries.

According to the mission, the development reflects a troubling pattern of alleged extrajudicial actions and misconduct against foreign nationals, particularly amid rising tensions linked to Afrophobia in South Africa.

The Nigerian government demanded:

An immediate, transparent, and thorough investigation, accountability for all officers involved, protection of the fundamental rights of foreign nationals.

Officials emphasized that no suspected offence justifies excessive force or execution-style actions, stressing that all individuals are entitled to due process under the law.

This latest incident reportedly brings the number of officially documented Nigerian deaths in South Africa to five, although some returnees claim the actual figure may be higher.

Nigeria has also urged that the issue of Afrophobia be formally discussed at the next summit of the African Union, as concerns grow over the safety of African migrants within the region.