Nigeria has called for a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the deaths of two of its nationals in South Africa, insisting that those responsible be held accountable.
The Nigerian government is also demanding full cooperation from South African authorities, including access to autopsy reports, post-mortem records, case files, and legal support for the victims’ families.
The position was conveyed during a meeting in Abuja between the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, and South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele.
The demand follows reports that Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro died after alleged assaults by South African security personnel.
Ahmed described the incidents as deeply troubling, warning of rising fear among Nigerians in South Africa.
Ekpeyong reportedly died on April 21, 2026, in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department after sustaining injuries allegedly linked to personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). A search of his residence reportedly found no incriminating evidence.
Amaramiro on the other hand, died on April 25, 2026, at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following an alleged assault by SANDF personnel.
Ahmed said Nigeria is closely monitoring anti-foreigner protests in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals—particularly Black immigrants—have reportedly been targeted.
He warned that disturbing videos circulating online could strain long-standing bilateral relations.
While acknowledging statements by South African leaders condemning extrajudicial killings and attacks on foreign nationals, Ahmed stressed that such commitments must be backed by concrete action.
He urged South Africa to guarantee the safety of Nigerians living lawfully within its borders by upholding due process, preventing profiling, and enforcing professional conduct among security agencies.
Ahmed welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding on an Early Warning Mechanism between both countries and called for its swift implementation to enable rapid information-sharing and de-escalation of tensions.
He also urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid reprisals, noting that a small group had gathered at the South African High Commission in Abuja.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to protecting diplomatic missions and personnel within its territory, he disclosed that the Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu had spoken with her South African counterpart to ease tensions.
In response, Machele said Nigeria’s concerns would be relayed to Pretoria, reiterating that the protests are not backed by the South African government while expressing confidence in continued peaceful relations.
