Femi Fani-Kayode, the former Minister of Aviation, has strongly denounced the reported abuse and homicide of Nigerian citizens by members of the South African police force. He declared that such aggression will no longer be ignored or accepted.
The statement followed the emergence of a concealed video recording on Tuesday. The footage purportedly captures a Nigerian man enduring a brutal beating and suffocation by South African officers, with the victim struggling for breath while a plastic bag was placed over his head. Fani-Kayode expressed his shock, noting that the content of the video was deeply disturbing.
Highlighting a pattern of racial profiling and extrajudicial violence, the former minister stressed that such hostilities must end. He recently addressed these concerns during a meeting with the South African Foreign Minister held on Monday. During these talks, both nations expressed a desire to lower tensions and improve diplomatic ties.
Fani-Kayode emphasized that accountability is essential, noting that at least 90 Nigerians have reportedly been killed in South Africa since 2022 due to violence from mobs and security forces, with zero successful prosecutions. He noted that six deaths have occurred this year, half of which were allegedly perpetrated by police. While he acknowledged that the recent diplomatic discussions are a positive development, he concluded that concrete actions must follow these commitments to ensure the safety of Nigerians abroad.
