“Over 100 Nigerians Allegedly Killed Since 2022, No Justice” — Fani-Kayode Challenges South Africa

By Passman Akpos

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned the alleged killings of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, describing the situation as “unacceptable” and calling on the South African government to take urgent action to protect Nigerians living in the country.

Fani-Kayode, in a strongly worded statement, said he was “mortified and deeply shocked” by the reported killing of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle in Johannesburg on September 4.

According to him, Fakunle was allegedly subjected to a series of threats before unknown assailants reportedly went to his home and shot him dead.

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

Fani-Kayode claimed that Fakunle and Nwankwo were the seventh and eighth Nigerians to have been murdered in South Africa in 2026, alleging that four of the eight deaths involved South African police officers.

He further claimed that more than 100 Nigerian nationals had been killed in South Africa between 2022 and September 2026, with more than 30 allegedly killed by personnel of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.

“What is most disturbing is the fact that in spite of our constant expressions of concern about this disturbing state of affairs not one person has been arrested, detained, prosecuted or brought to justice for ANY of these heinous crimes,” Fani-Kayode said.

He called on the South African government to intensify efforts to protect Nigerian nationals and ensure that those responsible for killings and other alleged abuses are prosecuted.

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

Nigerians Living In Fear

Fani-Kayode said the Nigerian community in South Africa was “deeply disturbed” by the developments and living in fear over what could happen next.

He added that the Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa was also concerned about the situation.

The former minister further raised alarm over what he described as another deadline issued to African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave South Africa by September 30.

According to him, the deadline was allegedly issued by South African non-governmental organisations which he accused of promoting racist, xenophobic and Afrophobic sentiments.

He alleged that some of the groups had openly threatened African nationals who failed to comply with the deadline.

Fani-Kayode urged the South African government to protect Nigerians and other African nationals from what he described as the “excesses” of such organisations and to enforce the law against anyone making threats or inciting violence.

“We also call on the South African Government to bring to justice those that take pleasure in traumatising, terrorising, torturing and killing our nationals,” he said.

‘Our Patience Is Wearing Thin’

Fani-Kayode said Nigeria remained interested in maintaining stronger relations with South Africa but warned that continued reports of discrimination and violence against Nigerians could strain relations between both countries.

“Whilst we seek to establish stronger and deeper ties with the South African Government one thing remains clear,” he said.

“If this vicious cycle of discrimination against and killing of our nationals do not stop there will be consequences.”

He argued that South Africans living in Nigeria were not subjected to similar systematic targeting by Nigerians or Nigerian security agencies.

“South Africans are not targetted and killed in Nigeria by our people or our security forces. The least the South African Government can do is to reciprocate this gesture, protect our nationals and address our legitimate concerns,” he said.

Fani-Kayode concluded by expressing condolences to the families and associates of the two deceased Nigerians.

“May the souls of Bishop Taiwo Fakunle and Mr. James Uchechukwu Nwankwor rest in peace,” he said.