The Swiss government has initiated an official inquiry into the death of Michael Ekemezie, a Nigerian national who passed away in Lausanne on May 25 following a confrontation with local police during a routine check.
Michael Ekemezie, 39, originally from Mgbakwu in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, reportedly collapsed and died less than an hour after being taken into custody at a police station. His family has alleged that officers used excessive force by pinning his head to the ground, which led to his untimely death.
Henry Ekemezie, Michael’s elder brother, told reporters on Monday that his sibling was pursued by police, subsequently handcuffed, and restrained face-down with force deemed fatal. A video circulating on social media showed the deceased pleading in pain as a Swiss officer held him down, crying out, “You’re hurting me.”
Following the incident, the family, through their lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, formally petitioned the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria and the Nigerian Diaspora Commission on May 30, 2025, demanding a thorough investigation into Michael’s death.
The family expressed frustration over the lack of direct communication from both the Swiss and Nigerian governments since the tragedy occurred.
In response, the Swiss Embassy sent a letter dated June 4, 2025, addressed to the family’s legal representative, assuring them that the appropriate prosecutorial office has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The correspondence, signed by Siamak Rouhani, Chargé d’Affaires of Switzerland, acknowledged receipt of the petition and stated: “The competent prosecutor’s office has commenced an investigation into the death of an individual of African origin on May 25, 2025, at a police station in Lausanne, Switzerland. The investigation’s findings are pending.”
The letter further explained that due to legal and privacy protections, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot provide details about the ongoing investigation or interfere with cantonal judicial proceedings.
It advised that the deceased’s family and their representatives maintain direct contact with local authorities, with support from the Nigerian Embassy in Bern.
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