Attack on Nigerian Student in Hyderabad, Two Held

Two arrests have been made, following the attack on the Nigerian student in Hyderabad.

Two local youths have been arrested for allegedly assaulting a Nigerian student even as the police asserted that the allegation that the foreigner was “racially abused” has not been established.

A Venkateshwera Rao, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone), said it was a roadside brawl between the Nigerian student, Orolabe Ibidola, and local youths, on Thursday night, after the Nigerian student allegedly “put” his face inside the window of a woman’s car when she was in conversation with the locals for an address.

Two local youths – Shoaib Ali and Faizal Ali have been arrested following the complaint lodged by the Nigerian student.

A Venkateshwera Rao, DCP

However, Orolabe Ibidola, said when he was returning home from a religious place, on Thursday night, around 10 local youths allegedly passed “racist” comments against him and beat him up along with two other Nigerian nationals after which he lodged a complaint. A counter complaint from local residents was lodged against the Nigerian, alleging assault by the latter.

This incident follows the assault on the Tanzanian girl student less than a week ago in Bengaluru.

Peaceful Protests by African Students’ Association

Expressing solidarity with the Nigerian student and seeking justice for the Tanzanian girl student, a group of around 70 students, under the banner of African Students Association and other organisations held a peaceful protest at Indira Park in Hyderabad, holding banners demanding “to stop discrimination and humiliation of African students” in Indian cities.

Mohd Ahmed, a leader of World Organisation of Students and Youths said the protest was just to convey not to humiliate African students.