The Nigerian Federal Government has issued a strong rebuke to South Africa, vehemently condemning the killing of two Nigerian nationals and threatening unspecified diplomatic measures if the targeting of its citizens persists. This stern warning comes amidst ongoing anti-foreigner protests in the host country, raising significant diplomatic tensions.
In a statement released on Sunday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, identified the deceased as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe. Their deaths occurred on the same day, June 28, 2026, under distressing circumstances.
Alleged Police Brutality and Unresolved Cases
The ministry reported that Emeka Charles Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, through what was described as “gruesome interrogation techniques.” Shockingly, on the same day, Musa Yunana Joe, widely known as “Big Joe,” was reportedly shot dead in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the Nigerian government highlighted that the same police unit implicated in Iroegbu’s death was also allegedly responsible for the extra-judicial killing of Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong in April. Concerns were raised that despite the four officers involved in Ekpenyong’s case being known to the South African Police Service (SAPS), no arrests have been made, leaving the case unresolved.
Concerns Over Targeting and State Complicity
Abuja expressed deep concern that these latest killings transpired during a period of heightened targeting of foreigners in South Africa. The government suggested that there might be deliberate efforts to unjustly portray law-abiding Nigerians as criminals, thereby questioning the safety and security of Nigerians and other foreign nationals residing in the country.
“The continuing pattern of such terrible incidents is clearly evidence of complicity on the part of security operatives, especially officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, which raises the question of state responsibility under International Law,” the statement asserted. It further added that data collected by Nigerian missions “lays the grounds for criminal liability.”
Nigeria also drew a contrast, noting South Africa’s high global crime rates, including a “culture of looting and mob action.” The statement emphasized that “Nigerians are more civil in our engagements with foreign nationals, and we always uphold the rule of law when dealing with illegalities. It is therefore unfair to target foreigners and make them scapegoats of endemic socio-economic conditions that need to be addressed by the authorities.”
Condemnation of “Unguarded” Statements
The Federal Government also sharply criticized recent televised remarks by a South African government spokesperson. The official reportedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country due to xenophobic protests to disclose where they hide illegal drugs. Nigeria deemed these comments “unguarded,” unacceptable, and inflammatory.
“Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that influences and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated. It also vowed that “gang leaders of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans, will also be held to account as a matter of regional and international criminal liability.”
Demand for Justice and Rule of Law
In its concluding remarks, the Nigerian government urged South African authorities to launch immediate investigations into the two recent killings, as well as other pending cases involving the extra-judicial deaths of Nigerians. The goal, it stressed, is to ensure that all those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.
“Our position remains that no matter what the allegations or suspicions may be, there are lawful processes and steps to justice. All must be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law,” the statement concluded, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to legal due process and human rights protection for its citizens abroad.