Nigerian deportee dies in Swiss airport

A Nigerian deportee died at Zurich airport after collapsing in handcuffs as he was being placed onto a special flight for expelled criminals or failed asylum seekers, the Swiss police said on Thursday.

Zurich police said in a statement that the unnamed man had been arrested for drug dealing and was meant to have been sent back to Nigeria on the flight with 15 other people, Agence France Presse reports.

"The 29-year-old, whose asylum application was not accepted by the Federal Migration Office, had refused food for several days, and was trying to resist arrest. He could only be handcuffed with use of force.

"Shortly after, he suddenly showed health problems."

The police added that the accompanying officials had unlocked his handcuffs and tried to resuscitate him.

However, the man died shortly after.

Local police assured that investigations were ongoing into the cause and circumstances of his death.

The FMO said in a statement that it "deplored this tragic incident" and that it was suspending special flights while a probe was taking place.

Source:AFP