FG Summons South Africa Over Deaths of Nigerians in Custody, Demands Protection

By Ifeyinwa Ike

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner Lesoli Machele on Monday, voicing deep concerns over violent protests targeting black foreigners, including Nigerians, and the deaths of two Nigerians in South African custody.

Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed met Machele at 11 a.m. to address the unrest, where protesters demanded foreigners leave. Disturbing videos have surfaced amid the historically friendly Nigeria-South Africa ties. Nigeria’s missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg are monitoring closely.

The ministry highlighted two tragic deaths of Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong, who died on April 21 in Tshwane Metro Police custody after alleged injuries from South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel, no incriminating evidence found at his home; and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro, who succumbed on April 25 at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following a reported SANDF assault.

Nigeria condemned the violence, including threats from groups like Jacinta Zuma’s faction and Operation Dudula. It demanded thorough, impartial probes into the deaths, autopsy reports, case files, family access to legal processes, and accountability for any wrongdoing.

The government welcomed South African leaders’ rejection of extrajudicial killings and looting but urged action on the ground, including protection for lawful Nigerian residents, anti-profiling directives, due process in detentions, and enforcement of security standards.

Nigeria praised a new MoU on early warning mechanisms and called for its swift activation to share threat info and de-escalate.

It urged decisive steps to prevent further attacks, rebuild trust, and ensure Nigerians’ safety and dignity in South Africa.

Amid rising Nigerian anger,.including a small protest at South Africa’s Abuja High Commission on Friday, the ministry called for calm, noting high-level engagement.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to diplomatic security.

Machele, promised to relay concerns to Pretoria, stating protests lack government support and issues would be addressed for peaceful ties.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu spoke by phone with her counterpart today.