Fani-Kayode: Demands Justice South Africa for Nigerian Killings

• Nigerian High Commissioner Designate, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, expressed shock over the recent murders of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and Mr. James Uchechukwu Nwankwo in Johannesburg.
• These two deaths bring the total number of Nigerians murdered in South Africa in 2026 to eight, with at least four attributed to South African police officers.
• Since 2022, over 100 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa, with more than 30 by South African Police Service and Defence Force officers, yet no one has been prosecuted for these crimes.
• Fani-Kayode highlighted a new September 30th deadline for African nationals to leave South Africa, issued by xenophobic NGOs openly threatening harm.
• He urged the South African government to protect Nigerians and ensure justice for those responsible for the killings, emphasizing that no one should be targeted for their nationality.

No person should be targeted or murdered simply for being Nigerian, underscoring the fundamental right to safety and security.

The Nigerian High Commissioner Designate to South Africa, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has voiced profound shock and concern following the recent killings of two Nigerian nationals in Johannesburg. Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle was tragically murdered on September 4th by unidentified assailants who, after issuing threats, reportedly shot him at his residence. Just one day later, on September 5th, Mr. James Uchechukwu Nwankwo also died in Johannesburg, with reports indicating his death resulted from severe interrogation techniques employed by officers of the South African Police Service.

These two incidents bring the total number of Nigerians murdered in South Africa in 2026 to eight. Chief Fani-Kayode, in a statement released on Saturday, highlighted that these latest deaths significantly escalate worries regarding the safety and security of Nigerian citizens residing in the country. The circumstances surrounding both the Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle murder and the James Uchechukwu Nwankwo killing have drawn sharp condemnation and renewed calls for accountability.

The recent fatalities are part of a disturbing trend of violence against Nigerians in South Africa. Since 2022, more than 100 Nigerian nationals have been killed in the country. Alarmingly, over 30 of these deaths are attributed to officers of the South African Police Service and the South African Defence Force. Within the current year's eight reported murders, at least four were perpetrated by South African police officers.

Chief Fani-Kayode expressed deep dismay that despite consistent appeals from Nigerian authorities regarding this escalating situation, no individual has been apprehended, detained, prosecuted, or brought to justice for any of these heinous crimes. This persistent lack of accountability underscores the urgent need for the South African government to address the systemic issues contributing to these deaths, as Fani-Kayode demands justice South Africa for its citizens.

Adding to the grave concerns, Chief Fani-Kayode also highlighted a new deadline issued to African nationals, including Nigerians, to vacate South Africa by September 30th. This ultimatum, described as deeply unsettling, originated from South African non-governmental organizations. These groups have been characterized as brazenly racist, xenophobic, and Afrophobic, openly threatening to target and harm foreign nationals should their arbitrary deadline not be observed.

Such xenophobic threats South Africa Nigerians face exacerbate an already volatile environment. The Nigerian High Commissioner Designate condemned these actions, referring to them as the 'excesses' of these organizations, and emphasized the profound concern shared by both the Nigerian community in South Africa and the Nigerian Mission regarding these developments.

In light of the ongoing violence and explicit threats, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has issued a direct appeal to the South African government. He urged authorities to significantly enhance efforts to protect Nigerian nationals living within its borders and to ensure that all individuals responsible for these killings are swiftly brought to justice. The High Commissioner Designate stressed that no person should be targeted or murdered simply for being Nigerian, underscoring the fundamental right to safety and security.

This diplomatic intervention highlights the critical state of Nigeria South Africa diplomatic relations concerning the welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad. The call for protection and accountability reflects a broader demand for the South African government to uphold its responsibilities in safeguarding all residents, irrespective of their nationality, and to decisively address the culture of impunity surrounding these violent acts.

Lawyers advising Nigerian nationals or businesses operating in South Africa should monitor escalating xenophobic threats and potential for violence, particularly given the September 30th deadline issued by NGOs. This situation raises significant human rights and diplomatic protection concerns, requiring a review of client safety protocols and potential legal recourse for victims of violence or discrimination.

Source: Original reporting via Leadership News