The family of Michael Kenechukwu Ekemezie, a Nigerian man who died in police custody in Lausanne, Switzerland, on May 25, 2025, has petitioned the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), demanding an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Ekemezie, 39, originally from Mgbakwu in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, was reportedly apprehended by Swiss police during a routine check.
He was allegedly handcuffed, pinned to the ground, and subjected to force that his family claims was excessive and ultimately fatal. He died less than an hour after being taken into custody.
A video that circulated on social media showed the moment Ekemezie was restrained by an officer while crying out in pain and shouting, “You’re hurting me.”
His elder brother, Henry Ekemezie, told South-East PUNCH that the police used brutal force during the arrest, comparing the incident to the high-profile case of George Floyd in the United States.
Through their legal representative, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the Ekemezie family filed a formal petition addressed to the Swiss Ambassador and NIDCOM, requesting:
A full, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident
Identification, suspension, and prosecution of all officers involved
Public disclosure of the officers’ identities and roles
An official apology and appropriate compensation to the bereaved family
Institutional reforms to prevent such incidents in the future
Support for the repatriation of Ekemezie’s remains and assistance with funeral arrangements
The petition highlights that Ekemezie was the sole provider for his family, including a young wife, two children aged two years and three months, and seven siblings.
It calls his death “a grave violation of international human rights,” citing the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Switzerland is a signatory.
The family also criticized the Swiss authorities for failing to provide any official explanation or offer communication, accountability, or reparations since the incident occurred.
In response, NIDCOM has said it is monitoring the situation closely.
The commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, described the case as “very sad and unfortunate.”
“We are not going to condone this,” Balogun stated. “Regardless of what the individual may have done, he deserved fair and humane treatment.
If the family submits a formal petition, we will be in a stronger position to take action.”
The commission assured the public that it is gathering relevant information and is committed to pursuing justice in the matter.
The Ekemezie family emphasized that if local remedies fail, they are prepared to escalate the case to international human rights bodies, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations Human Rights Council.
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