TWO Nigerian nationals residing in India have been arrested for allegedly beating their compatriot to death following a dispute over a woman in Pune, India.
The suspects, identified as Chukwudi Okafor, 31, and Samuel Eze, 34, were taken into custody by Indian police in connection with the death of Emeka Christian, a 40-year-old Nigerian garment trader who was legally residing in India on a visa valid until 2027.
News Point Nigeria gathered from India Today that the incident occurred in the Pisoli–Phursungi area of Pune in the early hours of Monday.
According to police reports, the victim had visited the apartment of a Nigerian woman on Sunday night along with other friends for what was described as a small social gathering.
Investigators said the gathering later degenerated into a heated argument over a romantic relationship involving the woman.
“One of the accused was in a relationship with the woman and frequently visited her. The victim objected to this, which led to a quarrel,” a police source told India Today.
The disagreement reportedly continued for several hours and intensified around 3 a.m., when Emeka decided to leave the apartment.
Police said the argument turned violent as the victim attempted to exit the premises.
“As he was leaving the flat, the accused followed him to the parking area and attacked him with a hard object,” a senior police officer disclosed.
The assault reportedly caused severe injuries, leading to Emeka collapsing at the scene.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital by Gift Utah, the Vice President of the Nigerian Students’ Union in Pune, but was pronounced dead while receiving medical treatment.
“What began as a verbal dispute eventually turned into a fatal assault,” Senior Police Inspector Mansing Patil confirmed.
Following the incident, police arrested Okafor and Eze, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Authorities believe that as many as four individuals may have been involved in the attack, prompting a manhunt for other suspects.
“The investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to locate other persons of interest connected to the case,” a police source said.
The killing adds to a growing list of cases involving Nigerians arrested in India over violent crimes.
In 2025, Indian authorities arrested Ayoola Babajide and Oghene Igere over the alleged killing of another Nigerian, Lucky Ikechukwu Ijeh, in a separate incident.
Police say investigations into the latest case will continue, while the suspects remain in custody pending formal charges.