The death of Michael Ekemezie, a 39-year-old Nigerian national, during an encounter with Swiss police in Lausanne, Switzerland, on May 25, 2025, has sparked outrage and demands for justice from his family and the Nigerian diaspora community. Ekemezie, the primary breadwinner for his wife, two young children, and extended family, allegedly died less than an hour after being taken into police custody. A viral video circulating online purportedly shows Ekemezie being pinned to the ground by a Swiss police officer, crying out in pain and pleading for relief. This incident echoes the tragic death of George Floyd in the United States and has fueled concerns about police brutality and excessive force.
Ekemezie’s family, represented by their legal counsel, has filed a petition with the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The petition alleges that Ekemezie was subjected to brutal and excessive force by Swiss police officers, leading to asphyxiation and ultimately, his death. The family seeks accountability for those involved, including the identification and prosecution of all officers present at the scene. They also demand access to crucial evidence, including the autopsy report, any available body camera footage, eyewitness statements, and all relevant documentation related to the incident.
Beyond demanding justice, the family seeks reparations for the loss of their loved one. They have requested compensation from the Swiss government for the emotional and psychological trauma caused by Ekemezie’s death, acknowledging his role as the family’s primary provider. Furthermore, the petition requests assistance with the repatriation of Ekemezie’s remains to Nigeria and financial support for funeral arrangements. This request underscores the family’s desire for a dignified farewell for their loved one and acknowledges the financial burden his death has placed upon them.
The family’s petition highlights the lack of communication and transparency from Swiss authorities. They lament the absence of an official explanation or any meaningful effort towards justice or reparations since the tragic incident. This perceived indifference has further fueled their call for an independent and comprehensive investigation, emphasizing the need for external oversight to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences of similar incidents. The family’s lawyer has expressed their willingness to escalate the matter to international human rights bodies, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations Human Rights Council, should their demands not be met promptly.
NIDCOM has responded to the family’s plea and the public outcry, pledging to investigate the controversial death. The commission recognizes the gravity of the situation and has stated its commitment to ensuring fair treatment, regardless of the circumstances leading to Ekemezie’s arrest. NIDCOM has requested all available information regarding Ekemezie’s death and encouraged the family to formally submit their petition, emphasizing the importance of their official account in facilitating a comprehensive investigation. This proactive stance by NIDCOM indicates a commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad and holding foreign authorities accountable for their actions.
This tragic incident has brought the issue of police brutality and accountability into sharp focus, highlighting the need for comprehensive police reforms and greater transparency in law enforcement procedures. The global community will be closely watching the investigation unfold, expecting a thorough and impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Michael Ekemezie’s death and demanding justice for him and his grieving family. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future incidents involving law enforcement interactions with foreign nationals, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and ensuring accountability regardless of nationality.
