Nigerian Student Beaten to Death in Philippines: Employer Charged with Murder
The employer of a Nigerian student who was beaten to death in the Philippines has been charged with murder, along with five others, according to Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa. The shocking incident occurred when the student, identified as Ikem, was brutally assaulted by a group of Chinese co-workers in October.
Ikem’s employer, who was subsequently declared wanted by Philippine authorities, has been on the run since the incident. The Nigerian Embassy has been in touch with the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines, as well as the Inspector General of the Philippines National Police to ensure a thorough investigation.
Dabiri-Erewa further revealed that the investigating police team has gathered evidence and presented the case to the Mandaue city prosecuting Department, which has determined it to be fit for murder case filing. The employer and the other suspects have been charged with murder, human trafficking, and the operation of an illegal business.
In their efforts to prevent the suspects from leaving the country, the Embassy has circulated pictures of the suspects to all exits in the Philippines. The case is set to proceed as soon as the main suspect is apprehended.
During the investigative hearing of the Senate Joint Committees on Diaspora and Inter Governmental Affairs and Foreign Affairs, Dabiri-Erewa also addressed a viral video alleging that 250 Nigerians were slated for killing in Ethiopia. She confirmed that this information was false and clarified that 160 Nigerians were serving jail terms in Ethiopia, primarily for drug-related offenses.
To alleviate overcrowding in prisons, amnesty was granted to these individuals. However, a majority of them went back to committing the same crimes. Dabiri-Erewa stated that a Memorandum of Understanding has been established to facilitate prisoner exchange or the continuation of their sentences in their respective countries.
Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the deceased student’s family also participated in the hearing. The family, adhering to Igbo tradition, expressed their desire to bring Ikem’s body back to Nigeria for a dignified burial. However, the cost of repatriating and burying the body was estimated to be between N31 million to N35 million, while cremation in the Philippines would cost significantly less.
The Committees assured all stakeholders that they will ensure justice is served and that the responsible individuals face the consequences of their actions. Senator Victor Umeh, who presided over the hearing, emphasized that the matter would not be brushed aside.
The tragic death of Ikem has sparked outrage and calls for justice from various quarters. The global community seeks a thorough investigation and fair legal proceedings to ensure that those responsible for this heinous crime are held accountable for their actions.
