Nigerian Student’s Death in Philippines Leads to Murder Charges Against Employer and Five Others

By Iyojo Ameh

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), revealed in an investigative hearing before the Senate Joint Committees on Diaspora, Inter-Governmental Affairs, and Foreign Affairs that significant developments have emerged regarding the tragic death of Ikem, a Nigerian student in the Philippines.

Dabiri-Erewa informed the committees that the employer of Ikem, along with five others, has been charged with murder following the brutal beating that led to the student’s demise.

The employer, who had been evading authorities, has been declared wanted by Philippine officials.

The investigative efforts involved collaboration between the Nigerian Embassy, the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Philippines National Police.

Dabiri-Erewa stated that the Nigerian Embassy maintained constant communication with local law enforcement, emphasizing a directive for a thorough investigation.

The investigative team gathered evidence and subsequently presented the case to the Mandaue City prosecuting department, leading to the filing of charges for murder, human trafficking, and involvement in illegal businesses against the suspects.

Efforts to prevent their escape have been intensified, with their images distributed to all exits in the Philippines. However, the main suspect remains at large, delaying the commencement of the trial.

Additionally, discussions centered on Nigerians imprisoned in Ethiopia, where it was revealed that 160 individuals faced incarceration, primarily for drug-related offenses. Efforts to facilitate prisoner swaps or the continuation of jail terms in respective countries are underway through a Memorandum of Understanding.

The hearing witnessed the presence of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the deceased’s sister, student associations, and concerned individuals. The family expressed the desire to repatriate Ikem’s body to Nigeria for a proper burial, seeking government assistance in this regard.

Senator Victor Umeh, presiding over the hearing, assured all present that justice would be pursued diligently, ensuring all involved parties faced legal consequences for their actions.

Ikem, a Nigerian student residing in the Philippines, lost his life on October 22, 2023, following a brutal assault by a group of Chinese co-workers over a minor dispute with his supervisor. Eyewitnesses reported a harrowing account of the incident, stating that Ikem was tied, gagged, and fatally beaten.

The Senate’s commitment to ensuring justice for Ikem and holding those responsible accountable was reiterated, promising that this matter would not be overlooked or dismissed.