On Wednesday, an Italian national named Filippo Ferlazzo received a 24-year prison sentence for the death of a 39-year-old physically challenged Nigerian man, Alika Ogorchukwu, in a coastal city in Italy in July 2022.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) announced this in a statement titled ‘Justice At Last For Alika Ogorchukwu,’ signed by Gabriel Odu from its Media, Public Relations, and Protocol Unit.
Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed satisfaction over the justice served to Ferlazzo, acknowledging that while the lost life can never be replaced, the conviction brings a sense of justice.
“I am glad that this case finally got justice. Like I always say, there has to be consequences for actions,” the statement quoted Dabiri-Erewa as saying.
He said Dabiri-Erewa commended the Nigerian Mission in Rome for following through with the case and other cases involving Nigerians.
“The convict bagged 24 years jail term on Wednesday for causing the death of a 39-year-old Nigerian man who was on crutches, walking in a Marche coastal city in July 2022,” the statement said.
In a tragic incident on July 29, 2022, Alika Ogorchukwu was assaulted and fatally beaten using his own crutches while walking in broad daylight. The attack occurred in the main central street of Civitanova Marche, Italy, witnessed by several onlookers who recorded videos of the brutal assault.
Ferlazzo was arrested the next day for Ogorchukwu’s murder and theft of his phone. Italian Police reported that the attack followed an altercation after Ogorchukwu asked Ferlazzo’s girlfriend to buy a handkerchief.
The NiDCOM Boss urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to uphold the law, excel in their endeavors, and remain connected to their homeland by giving back.