Two Nigerian nationals, Chukwudi Okafor, 31, and Samuel Eze, 34, have been arrested by Indian authorities for their alleged involvement in the death of a fellow Nigerian, Emeka Christian, following a dispute in Pune, India.
Reports from Indian media indicated that the incident occurred in the Pisoli–Phursungi area of Pune in the early hours of Monday. The victim, a 40-year-old garment trader, was said to be legally residing in India with a valid visa running until 2027.
According to police accounts, Christian had attended a small gathering at the apartment of a Nigerian woman on Sunday night alongside some friends. What initially appeared to be a friendly meeting later degenerated into a heated argument reportedly linked to a romantic relationship involving the woman.
“One of the suspects was romantically involved with the woman and frequently visited her. The victim raised objections, which triggered the disagreement,” a police source was quoted as saying.
Investigators said the argument persisted for several hours and escalated around 3 a.m. when the victim attempted to leave the apartment.
“The situation turned violent as he tried to exit the premises. He was allegedly attacked with a hard object and sustained severe injuries,” another police source disclosed.
Police further stated that the assault continued at the parking area after the suspects reportedly followed the victim outside.
“As he was leaving the flat, the accused pursued him and assaulted him in the parking area,” a senior police officer said.
Christian reportedly collapsed after the attack and was rushed to a hospital by Gift Utah, identified as the vice president of the Nigerian Students’ Union in Pune.
He was, however, pronounced dead while receiving treatment.
Confirming the arrests, Senior Police Inspector Mansing Patil said the case was being treated as a homicide.
“What started as a verbal disagreement eventually resulted in a fatal assault,” he stated.
The police added that investigations were ongoing, noting that more individuals might have been involved in the incident.
“A manhunt has been launched for other suspected accomplices, as preliminary findings suggest up to four people may be connected to the crime,” a police source said.
This incident comes amid previous cases involving Nigerians arrested in India over violent crimes. In 2025, Indian authorities reportedly detained two Nigerians in connection with the alleged killing of another compatriot.
