Two Nigerian men, Chukwudi Okafor, 31, and Samuel Eze, 34, have been arrested in Pune, India, for allegedly beating their friend, Emeka Christian, to death following a dispute over a woman.
The incident occurred in the Pisoli-Phursungi area of Pune in the early hours of Monday, according to India Today. The victim, a 40-year-old garment trader legally residing in India with a visa valid until 2027, had attended a small gathering at the apartment of a Nigerian woman on Sunday night with friends.
What began as a friendly party reportedly escalated into an argument over a romantic relationship. One of the suspects was reportedly involved with the woman, prompting the victim to intervene. The disagreement turned violent around 3 a.m. when Emeka tried to leave.
Police sources said the men followed him to the parking area and attacked him with a hard object, causing severe injuries. He collapsed and was rushed to a hospital by Gift Utah, vice president of the Nigerian Students’ Union in Pune, but was pronounced dead while receiving treatment.
Senior Police Inspector Mansing Patil described the case as a verbal dispute that escalated into a fatal assault. Authorities confirmed the arrest of Okafor and Eze and are investigating up to two additional accomplices, believing four people may have been involved.
This is not the first case involving Nigerians accused of murder in India. In 2025, two Nigerians, Ayoola Babajide and Oghene Igere, were arrested over the alleged killing of their friend, Lucky Ikechukwu Ijeh.
Investigation is ongoing, and police have launched a manhunt for any other suspects connected to the case.
