NiDCOM Demands Investigation Into Nigerian's Death in Luxembourg Police Custody

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called for a full-scale, transparent investigation into the death of Daniel Eheri, a Nigerian national who reportedly died less than 24 hours after being taken into police custody in Luxembourg.

In a statement released on Wednesday, signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, the Commission expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding Eheri’s death. The Commission also confirmed it is working closely with the Nigerian Embassy in Belgium responsible for affairs in Luxembourg to unravel the facts of the case.

According to a formal petition submitted by the Nigerian Community in Luxembourg, Eheri was arrested on February 10, 2025, while in possession of food items. He was confirmed dead the following day. The petition, titled “Case of an Extrajudicial Killing of a Nigerian by the Police Authority of Luxembourg,” was addressed to NiDCOM Chairman, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and signed by Mr. Sunday Adekolu, National Coordinator of the Nigerian Community in Luxembourg.

The document accuses Luxembourg authorities of maintaining silence over the matter and failing to provide an official explanation for Eheri’s sudden death, despite several diplomatic appeals from Nigeria’s Ambassador to Belgium, Obinna Chiedu Onowu.

“The late Eheri Daniel was a Nigerian with no criminal record and a valid residence permit in Luxembourg,” the petition stated. “To prevent a recurrence of such inhumane treatment of Nigerians in Luxembourg, we demand transparency and justice. The failure to conduct an autopsy or acknowledge diplomatic communication is deeply troubling.”

The petition also urged NiDCOM to intervene, insisting on an autopsy and formal engagement with Luxembourg’s Police Grand-Ducale to ensure accountability and avoid future incidents.

Reacting to the petition, NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa described the case as “deeply troubling” and extended condolences to Eheri’s family and the Nigerian community in Luxembourg.

“The Commission stands firmly with the family and will continue working with the Nigerian Embassy in Belgium to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation is carried out,” Dabiri-Erewa said.