Two Nigerian nationals, Chukwudi Okafor, 31, and Samuel Eze, 34, have been arrested in India over the alleged murder of their compatriot, Emeka Christian, in the Pisoli area of Pune. Police said the incident stemmed from a dispute linked to a romantic relationship involving a Nigerian woman. According to investigators, Christian reportedly objected to the relationship, which involved one of the suspects frequently visiting the woman’s residence, leading to rising tensions among the group.
India Today reported that the 40-year-old victim was beaten to death following an argument during a late-night gathering at the woman’s apartment on Sunday. The situation allegedly escalated in the early hours of Monday, with police saying Christian was assaulted and struck with a hard object around 3 a.m. He was rushed to hospital by the Vice President of the Nigerian Students Union in Pune, Gift Utah, but died while receiving treatment. Police have charged the suspects under Sections 103 (murder) and 3(5) (common intent) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, while a manhunt is underway for a third suspect. Christian, a garment trader and resident of Pisoli, was said to be in India legally with a valid passport and visa valid until 2027.