Two Nigerian nationals living in India, Chukwudi Okafor, 31, and Samuel Eze, 34, have been arrested by Indian police for allegedly beating their friend, Emeka Christian, to death following a dispute over a woman in Pune. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday in the Pisoli-Phursungi area of the city.
According to reports by India Today, the victim, a 40-year-old garment trader legally residing in India with a visa valid until 2027, had visited the apartment of a Nigerian woman on Sunday night with friends for a small gathering. What initially began as a friendly social event later degenerated into a heated argument centered on a romantic relationship involving the woman.
Police sources disclosed that one of the suspects was reportedly in a relationship with the woman and frequently visited her. The victim allegedly objected to this relationship, which sparked a quarrel that lingered late into the night. The disagreement escalated around 3 a.m. when Emeka attempted to leave the apartment.
Investigators said the argument turned violent as the victim was followed to the parking area, where he was allegedly attacked with a hard object. The assault reportedly left him with severe injuries, causing him to collapse at the scene.
Emeka was rushed to a hospital by Gift Utah, the vice president of the Nigerian Students’ Union in Pune, but he was pronounced dead while receiving treatment. Confirming the incident, Senior Police Inspector Mansing Patil described the tragedy as a verbal disagreement that spiraled into a fatal assault.
The Pune police have confirmed the arrest of Okafor and Eze and stated that investigations are ongoing. Authorities believe that up to four individuals may have been involved in the attack and have launched a manhunt to apprehend other suspected accomplices.
The incident adds to a growing list of violent cases involving Nigerians in India. In 2025, Indian authorities arrested two Nigerians, Ayoola Babajide and Oghene Igere, over the alleged killing of their compatriot, Lucky Ikechukwu Ijeh.
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