In the wake of a protest by angry young Nigerians outside their country’s embassy yesterday over an alleged death in police custody, local media is reporting that police have been stationed at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology to prevent potential demonstrations on campus.
Nigerian Embassy, Jalan Ampang Hilir, KL. happening now. pic.twitter.com/MfINgBTKja
— alwinhimself (@alwinhimself) July 11, 2019
At the heart of yesterday’s protests is the claim that a young Nigerian national, Orhions Ewansiha Thomas, died while in police custody.
Limkokwing confirmed the death this morning, if not the cause, by publicly offering condolences. Responding to questions from local media, the university later elaborated that they made Thomas’s records available to the Nigerian High Commission yesterday.
“To our knowledge, Mr Thomas (Ewansiha) was detained on July 5 at a public place in Kuala Lumpur during a raid,” the university said in a statement this afternoon.
Thomas, who was pursuing a PhD in management, was called an “inspired young man” by the university.
Nigerian outlets have corroborated the name, claiming he died while in an “immigration detention camp.” He was married with two young children.
In an interview with local newspaper the Malay Mail, Sepang police chief Abdul Aziz Ali said a contingent of officers had been sent to the university as a pre-emptive measure, though that all was currently quiet.
It is with the deepest regret that we report the demise of Orhions Ewansiha Thomas. Pursuing his PhD in Management, Mr Thomas was an inspired young man. All of us at Limkokwing University wish to express our heartfelt wishes of love and support to all affected. pic.twitter.com/NlheAJu8hy
— Limkokwing Uni (@Limkokwing_MY) July 11, 2019
“Right now. there is nothing going on there, but we did receive information about them wanting to hold a gathering of some sort,” he said. “We also found out later it was cancelled and that they planned to gather at the consulate in KL.”
The police contingent is expected to remain for the time being.
Separately, the paper confirmed that classes have been suspended today, in memory of the deceased student.
Calls by Coconuts KL to the university have thus far gone unanswered.
This is a developing story. We have reached out to community activists and the Nigerian High Commission in Malaysia, and will update as more information comes in.
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