Indian police have arrested two Nigerian nationals in connection with the alleged killing of a fellow Nigerian, Emeka Christian, following a violent altercation reportedly linked to a dispute over a woman. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, January 12, 2026, at an apartment complex in the Pisoli area of Pune, Maharashtra State.
The victim, identified as 40-year-old Emeka Christian, was allegedly attacked and beaten to death in the parking lot of a residential building after leaving an apartment where a group of Nigerian nationals had gathered earlier in the night. Police say the confrontation escalated from a personal dispute involving a Nigerian woman who resides in the apartment complex.
According to preliminary police findings, Emeka had gone out on Sunday night with other Nigerian nationals living in Pune to have dinner at the woman’s residence, located near the Dharmavat petrol pump in Pisoli. What began as a social gathering reportedly turned tense following disagreements linked to a romantic relationship involving one of the accused.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajkumar Shinde confirmed that the killing was the result of a dispute related to a love affair. He said investigations so far indicate that emotions ran high during the encounter, ultimately leading to a fatal confrontation.
“A first assessment of the case shows that the murder was a fallout of a dispute arising from a love affair,” Shinde said, adding that the police were continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Senior Police Inspector Mansing Patil of the Kalepadal police station provided further details, explaining that one of the accused had been romantically involved with the Nigerian woman and was a frequent visitor to her residence. According to police, Emeka reportedly intervened in the situation and advised the woman to distance herself from the accused, a move that allegedly triggered anger and confrontation.
“A prima facie probe has revealed that one of the accused was in love with the Nigerian woman and often visited her,” Patil said. “It is suspected that the deceased, Emeka, asked the woman to stay away from this accused. This led to a dispute, following which Emeka was attacked by the accused persons around 3 a.m. on Monday.”
Police reports indicate that after the gathering ended, Emeka attempted to leave the apartment. However, the accused allegedly followed him to the parking lot of the building, where he was brutally assaulted. Investigators believe the attackers used a hard object in addition to physically beating him, causing severe injuries.
Residents in the area reportedly heard raised voices and sounds of a struggle in the early hours of the morning, but by the time help arrived, Emeka had sustained critical injuries.
Gift Utah, Vice President of the Nigerian Students Union in Pune, rushed to the scene after learning of the incident. He assisted in transporting the injured man to Ruby Hall Clinic in Wanavdi for emergency medical attention. Despite efforts by medical personnel, Emeka succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment, police confirmed.
Following his death, a First Information Report (FIR) for murder was registered at the Kalepadal police station. The police booked three Nigerian nationals under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 103, which relates to murder, and Section 3(5), which covers acts committed by multiple persons with common intent.
Two of the accused, identified as Jhonpol Obinna Moneke, 40, and Nyanemeko Maduabuchi Oniya, 43, have since been arrested. Police said both suspects were taken into custody after preliminary investigations linked them directly to the assault. Efforts are currently underway to apprehend the third suspect, who is believed to have fled the area following the incident.
“The accused allegedly thrashed the victim and attacked him with a hard object, which ultimately led to his death,” a police official said, adding that forensic examinations and witness statements were being used to strengthen the case.
Police have also begun reviewing closed-circuit television footage from the apartment complex and surrounding areas to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine the exact roles played by each suspect. Statements are being recorded from witnesses, including residents of the building and members of the Nigerian community who were present earlier in the night.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian community in Pune, which comprises students, professionals, and business owners. Community leaders expressed sadness over the loss of life and urged Nigerians living abroad to seek peaceful means of resolving conflicts.
While police have stressed that the case is an isolated incident, it has raised concerns about interpersonal violence within expatriate communities and the importance of mediation and conflict resolution mechanisms.
Indian authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice in the case, stating that nationality would not influence the investigation. “The law will take its course, and all those found responsible will be dealt with according to due process,” a senior police official said.
The Nigerian High Commission in India has not yet issued an official statement on the incident, but sources indicate that diplomatic officials have been informed and are monitoring developments closely, including ensuring that the rights of the accused and the deceased’s family are protected under Indian law.
Legal experts note that murder charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences if the accused are found guilty. The arrested suspects are expected to be produced before a magistrate for remand proceedings, while police continue efforts to locate the third suspect.
As investigations continue, police have appealed for calm within the community and encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward. They also emphasised the need for restraint and lawful conduct, particularly among foreign nationals residing in India.
The tragic death of Emeka Christian underscores the devastating consequences of unresolved personal disputes and highlights the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, especially within close-knit expatriate communities far from home. Authorities say further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and the case moves through the judicial process.
