Nigerian Lives Matter: FG Demands Justice After Tragic Deaths in South African Custody

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unequivocally condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals, Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe (popularly known as Big Joe), in South Africa. In a statement released on Sunday, June 5, 2026, by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria called upon South African authorities to conduct urgent investigations into these incidents and ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.

Emeka Charles Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what was described as a “gruesome interrogation.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further revealed that the same officers were allegedly involved in the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026. Despite the identities of the four alleged officers being known to the South African Police Service, no arrests had been made at the time of the statement. The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) also confirmed Iroegbu's death and called for transparent investigations.

The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, was killed on June 28, 2026, in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, by yet-to-be-identified criminals. These tragic events are seen by the Nigerian government as part of a disturbing and growing pattern of attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, which raises serious concerns over their safety and could significantly strain bilateral relations between the two countries.

Nigeria's government stressed that regardless of allegations or suspicions, lawful processes and due justice must be followed, with all individuals presumed innocent and granted a fair hearing in a court of law. Beyond these specific incidents, the Federal Government also condemned a recent televised statement by a South African government spokesperson, who reportedly asked Nigerians leaving the country due to xenophobic protests to disclose where they hid illegal drugs. Such “unguarded public statements” were deemed unacceptable, derogatory, unprofessional, and uncensored hate speech that influences and incites negative and criminal actions against the Nigerian community.

Furthermore, the Nigerian government vowed to hold gang leaders of groups like March on March and Operation Dudula, who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans, accountable under regional and international criminal liability. The government appealed to Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and security-conscious, urging them to relocate to safer neighborhoods and avoid violence-prone areas while diplomatic efforts continue. Nigerians at home were also advised against retaliatory actions, with the government committed to pursuing dialogue based on principles of African unity and solidarity. The evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa is reportedly ongoing.

Both the Federal Government and NUSA reiterated that South Africa has a responsibility under international law to protect the lives and property of all foreigners, including Nigerians, residing within its borders. While South African nationals and businesses operate freely in Nigeria, the systematic targeting of legally residing Nigerian nationals in South Africa is deemed unacceptable, and their safety must be guaranteed. The Nigerian government warned that if these attacks persist, “all options remain on the table,” suggesting that various measures could be activated if the “uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour” against foreigners is not addressed.