Fani-Kayode Warns SA: Stop Killing Nigerians or Face Consequences

ABUJA — Nigeria’s High Commissioner-Designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has issued a stern warning to Pretoria, declaring that continued attacks and discrimination against Nigerian nationals will carry consequences for bilateral relations, as the Federal Government and National Assembly step up their response to the recent killings of two more citizens.

In a strongly worded social media statement on Friday, the former Aviation Minister said he was “mortified and deeply shocked” by the murder of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle (also referred to as Taiwo Michael Fakunle), a 58-year-old cleric from Iye in Ekiti State’s Ilejemeje Local Government Area. Fakunle was shot dead at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4 after allegedly receiving threats. Community accounts indicate two suspects gained entry and fired more than seven rounds. A murder case has been opened at Jeppe Police Station, with investigations ongoing, according to the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA).

The following day, September 5, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo died in Somerset West, Cape Town, in an incident involving officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS). Fani-Kayode and Nigerian authorities described the circumstances as involving “gruesome interrogation techniques.” The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg linked the death to a pattern in which Nwankwo became the sixth Nigerian whose death has been associated with South African security forces since a fresh wave of anti-migrant violence began in April.

Fani-Kayode said the two deaths brought the number of Nigerians allegedly killed in South Africa in 2026 to eight, with four of those cases involving police or security personnel. He further claimed that more than 100 Nigerians have been killed in the country between 2022 and early September 2026, including more than 30 allegedly at the hands of SAPS or South African Defence Force personnel. He stressed that despite repeated complaints, no one has been arrested, prosecuted or convicted in connection with these cases.

“This is unacceptable,” he stated. “We call on the South African Government to do far more to protect our nationals and to bring those that have killed or are planning to kill them to justice. No-one deserves to be targeted and murdered simply because they are Nigerian.”

He noted that the Nigerian community in South Africa is “deeply disturbed” and living in fear. Fani-Kayode also raised alarm over reports that some South African non-governmental organisations have issued a fresh deadline of September 30 for African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave the country, describing the threats as heightening anxiety.

While affirming Nigeria’s desire for stronger ties with South Africa, he warned: “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 added that Nigerians have not targeted or killed South Africans in Nigeria and called for reciprocity in protecting Nigerian lives and addressing legitimate concerns. He prayed for the repose of the souls of Fakunle and Nwankwo.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Federal Government has independently condemned the killings in the strongest terms. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi identified the victims and called for immediate, thorough and transparent investigations so that those responsible can be identified and brought to justice. The ministry expressed particular concern over the alleged role of law-enforcement officers and the broader context of recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on African foreigners.

Nigeria’s National Assembly has also taken action, suspending all official visits to South Africa by lawmakers, committees, officials and staff until further notice. The move, announced by the Clerk to the National Assembly, reflects parliamentary concern over the safety of Nigerians who have been killed, injured, displaced or forced to abandon businesses and homes amid the violence.

Broader figures cited by Nigerian officials paint a grim picture. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye has previously stated that about 90 Nigerians have been killed in Afrophobic violence since June 2022, with fresh attacks continuing into 2026. Earlier diplomatic engagements, including meetings with South African counterparts, have so far failed to produce arrests or lasting deterrence.

The latest deaths occur against a backdrop of heightened anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, marked by protests, informal deadlines for foreigners to leave, and allegations of both mob violence and heavy-handed policing. Nigerian diplomatic missions have repeatedly urged Pretoria to safeguard law-abiding foreign nationals and ensure accountability.

As of Saturday, South African authorities had not issued a detailed public response to the specific allegations surrounding Fakunle and Nwankwo. Nigerian officials continue to press for swift, credible investigations while monitoring the security situation for the large Nigerian community resident in the country.