KEY POINTS
- Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Ojukwu has demanded a thorough probe into the deaths of two Nigerians in South African custody.
- The Federal Government is fast-tracking a bilateral Early Warning Mechanism to prevent xenophobic violence against foreigners.
- Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro died after sustaining injuries in custody, the FG said.
Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister, has demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the deaths of two Nigerians in South African security custody. She is also fast-tracking a bilateral Early Warning Mechanism to address rising xenophobic tensions and threats against foreign nationals across South Africa.
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, set out the demand Monday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting between Nigerian and South African diplomatic representatives. The session followed engagements that Ojukwu had directed.
Inside the meeting
Specifically, Permanent Secretary Dunoma Umar Ahmed met South African Acting High Commissioner Lesoli Machele alongside other diplomats. The meeting tackled both the deaths and the wider climate of anti-foreigner protests across South Africa.
Furthermore, Nigeria expressed strong concern about ongoing protests in parts of South Africa where groups have been calling on foreigners, especially black Africans, to leave the country. The situation has heightened fear inside the Nigerian community. Some of the videos circulating online have been particularly disturbing.
Two Nigerians, two custody deaths
Notably, Nigeria confirmed the deaths of Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro. Both reportedly died after sustaining injuries while in the custody of South African security agencies.
Specifically, Ekpeyong died on April 21, 2026, while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department. Reports attribute his fatal injuries to South African National Defence Force personnel.
Additionally, Amaramiro died on April 25, 2026, at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following an alleged assault by SANDF personnel. The circumstances of his detention have raised concerns over security personnel conduct. “These incidents have heightened anxiety within the Nigerian community and require urgent, credible remedial action,” Ebienfa said.
Specifically, Nigeria is asking for thorough and impartial investigations, with prompt sharing of preliminary findings and regular updates. The country also wants full cooperation on autopsy reports, post-mortem documentation and relevant case files. Officials want full transparency.
Crucially, Nigeria emphasized the need for accountability where wrongdoing emerges. That includes appropriate disciplinary and prosecutorial action against implicated personnel.
A new early warning mechanism
Meanwhile, Nigeria received the signed copy of the bilateral Early Warning Mechanism from South Africa on Friday. Ebienfa said the mechanism will serve as a practical channel for rapid information sharing and de-escalation when threats to Nigerians emerge.
Ojukwu also called on South Africa to take concrete steps to protect Nigerians living lawfully in the country and ensure they can live safely and with dignity. The minister framed the demand as a baseline rather than a ceiling.
“We are not satisfied with just statements. We need actions from the South African government,” Ebienfa said. With diplomatic engagement now active and the Early Warning Mechanism on the table, Nigeria’s next moves will hinge on whether South African authorities translate words into prosecutions and protections. Notably, voluntary return for Nigerians who feel unsafe remains self-funded for now, though the government has signaled it could step in if the situation worsens. The next 48 hours will tell whether Pretoria delivers concrete action.
