An Italian man, Filippo Ferlazzo, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for killing a Nigerian citizen in Italy, Alika Ogorchukwu.

In a statement by spokesperson for Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Gabriel Odu, Ferlazzo bagged the jail term on Wednesday, September 27, for causing the death of 39-year-old Ogorchukwu, who was on crutches, walking in a Marche coastal city in 2022.

On July 29, 2022, Ogorchukwu was assaulted by Ferlazzo in broad daylight as he was walking.

The attacker beat Ogorchukwu to death using his crutches in front of several onlookers, who did not intervene. Some of the onlookers, however, recorded videos of the attack using their phones.

Then, on July 30, 2022, Ferlazzo was arrested on charges of having murdered Ogorchukwu and also stolen his phone.

The Italian Police stated that they believe Ferlazzo attacked Ogorchukwu after he asked Ferlazzo’s girlfriend to buy a handkerchief.

The incident was reported to have taken place at 2 p.m. on Friday in the main central street of Civitanova Marche, Italy. Ogorchukwu was found dead at the scene by paramedics.

Meanwhile, Chairman and CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed satisfaction over the justice meted out to Ferlazzo.

“I am glad that this case finally got justice. Like I always say, there has to be consequences for actions” .

Dabiri-Erewa commended the Nigerian Mission in Rome, for following through with the case and other cases involving Nigerians.

She urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to remain law-abiding, excel in what they do and never forget home by giving back to homeland.