Call for Investigation Following Death of Nigerian National in Luxembourg by NiDCOM
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Demands Probe into Death of Nigerian in Luxembourg Police Custody
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has called for an investigation into the death of Nigerian national, Daniel Eheri, who passed away in the custody of Luxembourg's Police Grand-Ducale.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the chairperson of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed her condolences to Eheri's family and the Nigerian community in Luxembourg. She also pledged to work alongside the Nigerian embassy in Belgium to determine the circumstances leading to Eheri's death.
According to reports, Eheri, a resident permit holder in Luxembourg, was arrested on February 10, 2025, in possession of foodstuffs. His death was confirmed the following day, but Luxembourg authorities have yet to provide an explanation.
The Nigerian community in Luxembourg, led by the National Coordinator, Mr. Sunday Adekolu, has submitted a petition to the Federal Government of Nigeria, alleging extrajudicial killing. The petition specifically calls for transparency, an autopsy report, and a response from Luxembourg authorities.
Despite two letters sent from the Nigerian ambassador to Belgium, Obinna Onowu, regarding the matter, there has been no official response from the Luxembourg authorities as of late May 2025.
Adekolu, in the petition, urged the Nigerian government to intervene and prevent future occurrences of such acts. He also requested urgent assistance from NIDCOM to clarify the facts of the case and press the Luxembourg police to conduct an autopsy.
NIDCOM's intervention comes as the commission continues its efforts to combat human trafficking and promote safe migration. The investigation into Eheri's death will undoubtedly add to this mandate, highlighting the need for international cooperation in ensuring the protection of all Nigerians abroad.
- The Nigerian Government is under pressure from the Nigerian community in Luxembourg to interfere in the investigation of Daniel Eheri's death in police custody, following allegations of extrajudicial killing.
- The Senate and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) are monitoring the general-news story closely, with NIDCOM pledging to work with the Nigerian embassy in Belgium to uncover the truth.
- The crime-and-justice system in Luxembourg is under scrutiny, as the Luxembourg Police Grand-Ducale has yet to provide an explanation for Eheri's death, even after two requests from the Nigerian ambassador.
- As the election season approaches, the politics surrounding the death of Eheri have become a key issue, with the Naija diaspora demanding accountability from the Nigerian Government and foreign authorities.
