The victims, who were both residing in the Misrata part of the country, had traveled to Tripoli on July 20 with a friend whose identity is yet unknown. After spending some days there, the friend advised the two to return with him to Misrata, but they allegedly refused. The friend left them behind and returned alone to Misrata, where they were allegedly poisoned.

The incident has generated controversy, and the account of their friend who returned home raises suspicion. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission spokesperson, Adulrahman Balogun, has stated that he is not aware of the incident but will work on it. Two Nigerians, Austin and Ayo, were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Durban, South Africa, on July 9.