The family of Nigerian student-athlete Chukwuemeka Divine Adili has requested an autopsy before his remains are repatriated to Nigeria following his death in a drowning incident in Aurora province, the Nigerian Embassy in Manila said.

In a public notice, the embassy said it is providing full consular assistance to support the request and coordinate arrangements with Philippine authorities and other stakeholders.

Adili, a basketball player from Ateneo de Manila University, died on June 8 after he and two other student-athletes were reportedly caught in a strong sea current during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Two of the students died in the incident, including Adili and 19-year-old Rene Clert Baterbonia, while one reportedly survived.

The embassy said it has been in direct contact with Adili’s family, the university, and law enforcement agencies as processes related to the autopsy and eventual repatriation move forward.

It also expressed condolences to the bereaved families, including that of the Filipino student-athlete Baterbonia.

Authorities in the Philippines have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning, although the embassy noted it has not received any official indication of foul play.

The embassy urged the Nigerian community to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information as public interest in the case continues to grow, adding that it will continue to monitor developments while ensuring support for its citizens.