The Nigerian Senate has launched an investigation into the brutal murder of Chibuikem Emmanuel, a Nigerian medical student in the Philippines. The tragic incident occurred on October 23, 2023, allegedly at the hands of Chinese nationals. Michael Ojuola, a friend of the victim, revealed the horrifying details on social media, stating that Emmanuel was tied up, his mouth covered, and beaten until he succumbed to the assault.
In an investigative hearing, the Director Consular of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Enya Francis, disclosed that it would cost between N31 million and N35 million to repatriate Emmanuel’s body to Nigeria for a proper burial. The alternative was cremation in the Philippines, which would cost N10 million to N15 million. The daily accrual of N30,000 at the funeral home underscored the urgency to expedite the investigation.
Emmanuel’s elder sister, Blessing Essien, emphasized the significance of bringing her brother’s body back to Nigeria for a befitting burial, aligning with Igbo tradition. She appealed to the Federal Government, through the Senate committees, to assist the family in the repatriation process.
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During the hearing, the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, provided updates on the case. The employer of the deceased in the Philippines, along with five others, has been charged with murder, human trafficking, and operating an illegal business. The Nigerian embassy reported the case to the Philippines authorities, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding Emmanuel’s death. The resolution was prompted by a motion presented by Mudashiru Lukman, the lawmaker representing Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency in Osun State. Lukman detailed that the victim was murdered after a disagreement while trying to collect money owed to him by his Chinese girlfriend.
The House mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, and Diaspora to investigate the matter. The tragic incident has raised concerns about the safety of Nigerian students abroad and highlights the need for proactive measures to protect citizens in foreign countries.
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