The family of Michael Ekemezie, a Nigerian who died in custody of Swiss police in Lausanne on May 25, 2025, has petitioned the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to call for a full investigation into his death.
Ekemezie, 39, originally from Mgbakwu in Anambra State, reportedly collapsed and died less than an hour after being taken into police custody.
A video circulating on social media showed the deceased pinned to the ground by a Swiss officer while crying out in pain.
Henry Ekemezie, Michael’s elder brother, reportedly said that his brother was chased during a routine police check before being handcuffed and restrained face-down with excessive force that led to his death.
Represented by their lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the family has formally requested thorough and transparent inquiry into the circumstances of the killing, as well as compensation for the loss.
The petition demanded the Swiss Embassy, NIDCOM, Swiss authorities, and the Nigerian government to ensure an independent probe.
The petition highlighted that Michael was the primary provider for his family, survived by a wife and two young children, and stresses the brutality he suffered at the hands of the police, drawing parallels to the George Floyd case in the United States.
The family expressed frustration over the lack of official communication or accountability from Swiss authorities since the incident.
Key demands in the petition include public disclosure of the officers involved, their immediate suspension and arrest pending investigation, a formal apology, and compensation to the family. It also called for reforms to prevent future abuse.
The family also urged NIDCOM to intervene urgently by engaging both the Swiss and Nigerian embassies to demand justice.
They warned that if the case is not properly addressed, they will escalate it to international human rights organizations, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations Human Rights Council.
In response, NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, described the death as tragic and said the commission will investigate the matter.
He stressed that everyone deserves fair treatment regardless of circumstances and invited the family to formally communicate with the commission to facilitate its efforts.
NIDCOM assured the public that it is committed to uncovering the facts and ensuring justice for Michael Ekemezie.
