Limkokwing confirms PhD student died in custody

PETALING JAYA: Limkokwing University of Creative Technology was informed of the death of its student Thomas Orhions Ewansiha on Thursday (July 11) while in custody over his visa status.

UPDATE: Nigerian tried to flee during raid, says Immigration

The university said a request was made by a member of the Nigerian Embassy at 11.33am on Thursday (July 11) to share the student's records.

This was to confirm that he was indeed the person who died while being detained to verify his visa status.

“We immediately responded by making all files available to the embassy.

“To our knowledge, Mr Thomas (Ewansiha ) was detained on July 5 at a public place in Kuala Lumpur during a raid,” the university said in a statement on Friday (July 12).

Ewansiha, who was pursuing his PhD in management, was married with two young children.

The university said Ewansiha was a member of its postgraduate centre.

“He was an inspired young man. We offer our condolences to his family and many close friends.

“We have no further information at this time. We are grateful for calm and understanding during this difficult time,” it said.

On Thursday, a group of Nigerians reportedly held a protest outside the Nigerian high commission in Kuala Lumpur.

The Star has reached out to the police for more information.