Coroner Rules The Death of Nigerian Student in US Police Custody a Homicide (Photo)

A coroner in Chatham County, Georgia, United States has ruled the death of a 22-year-old  Nigerian college student who died while being held at a county jail, a homicide.

Matthew Ajibade died from several blunt-force injuries to the head and upper body, Bill Wessinger, the coroner ruled.

Ajibade was found dead on January 1 in a restraining chair at the Chatham County jail after he struggled with deputies booking him on a domestic violence charge, the Daily Mail is reporting.

Police arrested Ajibade after a fight with his girlfriend. Officers who responded to the call said they found his girlfriend with a bruised face and a bloody nose. Savannah-Chatham County police said Ajibade was holding the woman and refused to release her when officers tried to separate the couple.