Coroner rules heart attack “as a result of drug abuse” in death of Nigerian man allegedly tortured by police in Greece

A coroner investigating the death of a Nigerian man, Ebuka, in police custody in downtown Athen,  on Friday ruled that the 35-year-old father of two had “ischemic-type myocardial lesions” as a result of drug abuse.

The report said that toxicology tests had revealed traces of several different narcotics as well as alcohol in the man’s blood and urine, and that the condition of his heart suggested long-term abuse.

The report has been sent to a prosecutor who will be responsible for determining whether the Omonia Square police precinct should be held responsible for Ebuka’s death while in its custody.

The man’s death has prompted several protest rallies and accusations of police brutality, particularly from migrant groups.