Fani-Kayode warns South Africa over alleged killings of Nigerians

ABUJA — Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, has called on the South African government to act against alleged attacks on Nigerians in the country, warning that continued discrimination and killings could trigger consequences.

Fani-Kayode made the call in a Friday post on his Facebook page while reacting to the reported deaths of two Nigerians in Johannesburg.

He said he was “mortified and deeply shocked” by the reported murder of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle on September 4.

Fakunle, according to Fani-Kayode, was allegedly threatened before unidentified attackers reportedly stormed his residence and shot him dead.

He also cited the reported death of James Uchechukwu Nwankwo in Johannesburg on September 5, alleging that he died following what the former minister described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” by officers of the South African Police Service.

Fani-Kayode claimed the two deaths brought the number of Nigerians allegedly killed in South Africa in 2026 to seven and eight respectively, while alleging that four of the eight cases involved South African police officers.

He further claimed that over 100 Nigerians had lost their lives in South Africa between 2022 and September 2026, including more than 30 who he alleged were killed by personnel of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.

The former minister criticised what he said was the failure to prosecute those responsible for the alleged killings, despite repeated complaints.

“This is unacceptable,” Fani-Kayode said, demanding stronger action from the South African government to protect Nigerians and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

“No-one deserves to be targeted and murdered simply because they are Nigerian,” he added.

He said the Nigerian community in South Africa was “deeply disturbed” and increasingly concerned about its safety.

Fani-Kayode also drew attention to what he described as a September 30 deadline for African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave South Africa. He attributed the deadline to some South African non-governmental organisations and alleged that threats had been made against African nationals.

He urged the South African authorities to protect Nigerians from any threats or attacks and prosecute anyone found to have engaged in unlawful acts.

Fani-Kayode also demanded justice for Nigerians allegedly subjected to violence, intimidation, torture or killing in South Africa.

According to him, Nigeria remains committed to developing stronger relations with South Africa, but the continued alleged mistreatment of Nigerians could affect bilateral relations.

“Whilst we seek to establish stronger and deeper ties with the South African Government, one thing remains clear. If this vicious cycle of discrimination against and killing of our nationals do not stop, there will be consequences.

“Simply put, our patience is wearing thin,” he said.

Fani-Kayode also argued that Nigerians had not targeted or killed South Africans in Nigeria and called on Pretoria to protect Nigerian nationals in the same manner.

He concluded by praying for the repose of the souls of Fakunle and Nwankwo.

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