The Government of Switzerland has ordered an investigation into the killing of a Nigerian businessman, Michael Ekemezie, by police officers in Lausanne on May 25 2025, which video had gone viral.
Ekemezie from Anambra State was said to have been subjected to brutal and excessive force by the Swiss police officers, in circumstances disturbingly reminiscent of the tragic death of George Floyd in the United States and had provoked widespread outrage and demands for justice and accountability from Nigerians and foreigners in Switzerland.
The order for investigation followed a petition filed by the lawyer to his family, Ifeanyi Ejiofor to the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria and the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission.
The information about the investigation is contained in a response by the Swiss Embassy to the petition dated June 4 2025 and signed by the Charge` d’Affaires, Siamak Rouhani, and obtained by Arise News in Abuja.
The Embassy confirmed that the competent Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office has formally launched an investigation into the incident, but gave no further details.
The letter by the Swiss Embassy to Ejiofor was entitled, “The Embassy of Switzerland acknowledges receipt of your letter dated May 30 2025.”
It reads, “The Embassy would like to inform you that the Competent Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation about the death of a person of African origin on 25 May 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.”
Ejiofor however raised concern about a possible lack of transparency and the continued silence surrounding the exact circumstances of Ekemezie’s death.
The family claimed that he was violently restrained, resulting in asphyxiation and, ultimately, death.
His terse statement reads, “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 Michael Ekemezie- a Nigerian citizen who lost his life after reportedly being brutalized by Swiss police officers in Lausanne, Switzerland, on May 25, 2025.
“Today (June 4 2025), 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 acknowledgment and the initiation of investigative proceedings, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of transparency and the continued silence surrounding the exact circumstances of 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.
“We therefore reiterate, with unwavering resolve, our demand for a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation. 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 Ekemezie’s family. Every diplomatic and legal channel must be pursued. The truth must be uncovered. Accountability must be served.
“Michael Ekemezie’s life mattered.
His name must not fade. His story must not be buried. To the Government of Switzerland: Your global standing as a guardian of human dignity, justice, and democratic values is now being tested. Let those values speak, not merely through words, but through decisive and transparent action.
“To the international community: We call upon your conscience. Stand with us. Speak out. Demand accountability. Justice for Michael is justice for all.”
Friday Olokor
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