Indian authorities have arrested two Nigerian nationals, Chukwudi Okafor, 31, and Samuel Eze, 34, in connection with the death of their compatriot, Emeka Christian, following a disagreement in Pune, India.
Reports indicated that the incident occurred in the Pisoli-Phursungi area of the city in the early hours of Monday after a social gathering at an apartment occupied by a Nigerian woman.
The deceased, said to be a 40-year-old garment trader legally resident in India with a valid visa expiring in 2027, had reportedly visited the apartment on Sunday night with some friends.
What was described as a casual meeting later degenerated into an argument linked to a romantic relationship involving the woman, with tensions escalating as the night wore on.
According to police sources, the disagreement intensified around 3am when the victim attempted to leave the apartment, leading to a confrontation that turned violent.
Investigators said the victim was allegedly attacked with a hard object in the parking area after he exited the apartment, leaving him with severe injuries.
He was reportedly rushed to a hospital by Gift Utah, the vice president of the Nigerian Students’ Union in Pune, but was confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
A senior police officer told local media that what started as a verbal altercation eventually resulted in a fatal assault.
The police said the two suspects are currently in custody, adding that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals believed to have been involved in the incident.
Authorities also noted that the case adds to previous instances where Nigerians have been arrested in India over alleged homicide, including a 2025 case involving the death of another Nigerian national.