Swiss Authorities Probe Death Of Nigerian Man, Michael Ekemezie In Police Custody

Switzerland authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a Nigerian man, Michael Ekemezie, who died in police custody in Lausanne on May 25, 2025.

According to his family, the 39-year-old from Mgbakwu in Anambra State collapsed and died less than an hour after being taken into custody during a police stop.

His brother, Henry Ekemezie, said police chased Michael during a routine check, handcuffed him, and forcefully pinned his head to the ground, actions the family believes led to his death.

A video shared on social media showed Michael on the ground crying out, “You’re hurting me,” before he eventually died.

Following the incident, the family, through their lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, petitioned both the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) on May 30, demanding a full investigation.

Though they had not been contacted by either the Swiss or Nigerian governments at first, the Swiss Embassy later responded with a letter dated June 4.

Signed by Chargé d’Affaires Siamak Rouhani, the embassy confirmed that a prosecutor’s office had started an official investigation into the case.

However, it said that due to data privacy laws and the separation of powers, further details could not be shared.

The letter read, “The Embassy of Switzerland acknowledges receipt of your letter dated 30 May, 2025.

“The Embassy would like to inform that the competent prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the death of a person of African origin on May 25, 2025, at a police station in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“The results of this investigation are pending. In accordance with the principle of separation of powers and of the protection of personal data, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not hold any information concerning ongoing cantonal proceedings and cannot interfere in them.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, therefore, has no information concerning the circumstances of this tragic event. The deceased’s family and its agent – supported by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Bern – can therefore interact directly with the competent cantonal authorities.”

The family welcomed the embassy’s reply but stressed the need for a thorough, open, and speedy investigation.

Their lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, reiterated that this wasn’t just about legal procedures, stressing that it was a personal tragedy for a grieving family and a concerned nation.

They called on the Swiss authorities to be transparent and work closely with Nigerian officials to ensure justice is served.

“On May 30, 2025, we submitted a formal petition to the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria, urging an immediate and transparent investigation into the tragic and deeply disturbing death of Mr Michael Ekemezie, a Nigerian citizen who lost his life after reportedly being brutalised by Swiss police officers in Lausanne, Switzerland, on May 25, 2025.

“Today, we acknowledge receipt of an official response dated June 4, 2025, signed by the Chargé d’Affaires, Mr Siamak Rouhani. In the correspondence, the Embassy confirmed that the competent cantonal prosecutor’s office has formally launched an investigation into the incident.

“However, invoking Switzerland’s strict data protection laws and constitutional principle of separation of powers, the embassy declined to disclose further details at this stage.

“While we take note of this official acknowledgement and the initiation of investigative proceedings, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of transparency and the continued silence surrounding the exact circumstances of Mr Ekemezie’s death.

“A young Nigerian life was lost, under suspicious and distressing conditions, while in the custody of a country that proudly upholds itself as a global advocate of human rights, justice, and the rule of law.

“This is not just a legal matter; it is a human tragedy. A mother grieves. A family mourns. A nation watches with bated breath.

“Justice must not be shielded behind bureaucratic procedures. It must not be delayed. And it must never be denied. We urge the Swiss government and all relevant authorities to fully cooperate with the government of Nigeria and the legal representatives of Mr Ekemezie’s family, and every diplomatic and legal channel must be pursued. The truth must be uncovered. Accountability must be served,” the family said in a statement.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) recently expressed deep concern over reports that a Nigerian man, Daniel Eheri, died while in police custody in Luxembourg.