Nigeria Accuses South African Police Over Death of Citizen, Calls for Investigation

Abuja, July 6, 2026 - Nigeria has accused South African police of responsibility for the death of one of its citizens and called for stronger action to protect foreign nationals amid rising tensions and reported attacks on migrants in South Africa.

Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Emeka Charles Iroegbu died on June 28 in Pretoria after allegedly being subjected to excessive force while in police custody. The ministry also reported that another Nigerian national, businessman Musa Yunana Joe, was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen outside his shop in eMalahleni on the same day.

The Nigerian government said the incidents occurred against a backdrop of increasing hostility toward foreign nationals in South Africa and urged the South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations and strengthen measures to curb violence targeting migrants. It warned that the matter could be raised before the African Union and other international bodies if adequate action is not taken.

Nigeria also announced plans to support citizens who have returned from South Africa by documenting businesses and assets they left behind as part of a compensation initiative. South African authorities have not publicly commented on the reported deaths, while the government has maintained that it cannot provide compensation for affected foreign nationals but supports allowing them to dispose of their property through the local market.