By Abu Hassan
LAGOS, Nigeria – Human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor is calling for a full investigation into the death of Michael Kenechukwu Ekemezie, a 39-year-old Nigerian man who died following an encounter with Swiss police in Lausanne, Switzerland, on May 25th, 2025. Ekemezie, originally from Awka North, Anambra State, was allegedly pinned to the ground by police officers, as evidenced by a widely circulated video on social media platform X.
Ejiofor, also counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), released a press statement on Friday condemning the incident and demanding action from the Federal Government of Nigeria, Swiss authorities, and international bodies. He described the incident as “sad and unfortunate” and emphasized the need for a transparent investigation, public identification of the officers involved, and their immediate suspension and arrest pending the outcome of the investigation.
The lawyer lamented the perceived silence surrounding Ekemezie’s death, particularly from international media outlets, suggesting a possible attempt to downplay the severity of the incident. He criticized the Swiss authorities’ response as inadequate and failing to meet the standards of transparency and urgency required in such cases of alleged police brutality.
“It is with profound heartbreak and a heavy sense of outrage that we speak on the tragic killing of Mr. Michael Kenechukwu Ekemezie,” the statement read. “Ekemezie had lived in Switzerland for over a decade… but on that day, his life was cut short in a brutal encounter with law enforcement. This encounter bears chilling similarities to the infamous murder of George Floyd in the United States.”
Ejiofor drew parallels between Ekemezie’s death and the death of George Floyd, emphasizing the viral video footage showing Ekemezie handcuffed and pinned down, crying out in pain and shouting, “You’re hurting me.”
He stated that Nigerians and other Africans residing in Switzerland have protested, demanding accountability, transparency, and justice. Ejiofor said his legal team has submitted a petition to the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria demanding the identification, arrest, and prosecution of the officers involved. The petition also calls for an official apology and compensation for Ekemezie’s family, as well as concrete reforms to prevent future abuse.
The lawyer has also petitioned the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and other relevant government bodies, requesting diplomatic engagement with the Swiss government.
“This is not merely about one man’s death—it is about justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life,” Ejiofor emphasized. “It is about sending a clear message that Nigerian lives cannot be wasted with impunity and that the international community must not turn a blind eye when Africans are killed unjustly.”
Ejiofor urged the Swiss government to fulfill its international obligations and ensure justice, the Nigerian government to demand answers and justice for its citizen, and international organizations to shed light on the alleged injustice.
He concluded, “As we mourn the painful loss of Mr. Michael Kenechukwu Ekemezie, we reiterate our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice through all lawful and diplomatic means.”
