Orhions Ewansiha Thomas died at the Bukit Jalil detention centre in July 2019 after being arrested along with 19 others during a raid at the Desa Aman Puri Apartment in Kepong, Selangor.

The immigration department said the PhD student at Limkokwing University had experienced a seizure prior to his death but denied any foul play. This sparked a protest outside the Nigerian High Commission.

An inquest was subsequently held to investigate Thomas’ death, after his widow, Blessing Uhunoma Eriamiator, claimed her husband was assaulted while in custody, following testimony from witnesses.

It was also claimed that he was refused medication while in detention.

The Kuala Lumpur coroner’s court will release its findings tomorrow.

“Irrespective of the outcome of the inquest, Thomas’ widow will file a civil suit against the immigration department for their negligence in causing her husband’s death,” Rajesh Nagarajan, the lawyer representing the family, told FMT.

“We’ll be seeking compensation for his death, in the region of half a million ringgit or so.”

During the hearing, a witness said an immigration officer had asked Thomas for RM2,000 to guarantee his early release from custody.

Another testified that Thomas was forced to do the frog-jumps even after he told the officers that he had injuries on his leg. Thomas had also complained of having high blood pressure.