By Adetutu Folasade-Koyi
A Nigerian, simply identified as N. Chigozie, has reportedly died in India over an argument about Biafra.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Chigozie’s corpse was discovered at Hennur, north-east of Bengaluru, in the early hours of Monday.
Although Chigozie was said to have died in a motorcycle crash, his brother, simply identified as Nonso, said Chigozie was murdered.
The police said that the deceased, his brother, and four other Nigerians had partied at an African Kitchen restaurant at a place called Byrathi, on Sunday, August 3, 2017, and that they quarrelled over food and assaulted each other.
“The six revellers quarrelled over sharing food and assaulted each other. The group of friends who were partying discussed information of a separate state in Nigeria (Biafra). The discussion led to assault and the brothers were badly beaten up. Nieskho (Nonso) went to a nearby hospital to treat his injuries and Chigozie followed him on bike. On the way from the hospital, Chigozie reportedly died. It seemed to be an accidental death.
Regardless, preliminary evidence indicated that Chigozie, who was speeding on his bike, crashed into an iron railing and died of head injuries. He was not wearing a helmet. But, his younger brother, Nonso claimed he was murdered,” the police said.
A local newspaper, Bangalore Mirror, reported that Chigozie was killed after an argument with other friends over Biafra.
“The victim, along with his brother, Nonso partied with a group of friends at a house in Byrathi. During the party, it was alleged that the brothers and their friends had an argument over a political development in their country. Police said both the brothers were allegedly beaten up.
“Nonso, who had come in his car, drove to a nearby private hospital and was said to have taken treatment. Chigozie, who was returning home on his bike, was found dead near the railway bridge. Nonso suspects that his brother could have been killed. However, prima facie evidence suggests that the death could also be due to an accident.
“The victim could have skidded and fell from the bike while riding home. It was raining heavily.
But a murder case has been registered based on his brother’s complaint and investigations are on,” the newspaper said.